HBO Max Orders ‘People v. Gorilla Grodd’ Mockumentary

HBO Max has officially ordered a new mockumentary series titled "The People v. Gorilla Grodd," based on DC Comics characters. This development follows an initial report in November 2025 indicating the show was in development. Skyler Gisondo is confirmed to reprise his role as Jimmy Olsen, a character he first portrayed in the 2025 "Superman" film. Jimmy Olsen is a photographer for the Daily Planet newspaper and a recurring ally of Superman, often finding himself in perilous situations due to his investigative work. The series will explore the fictional legal and public relations battle surrounding the supervillain Gorilla Grodd, a telepathic ape with advanced intelligence and formidable psychic powers, who has frequently clashed with DC's heroes, particularly The Flash. The mockumentary format suggests a comedic and satirical approach to the superhero genre, likely focusing on the absurdity and media circus that such a high-profile trial would generate. The involvement of Gisondo, known for his comedic timing in projects like "Booksmart" and "The Righteous Gemstones," suggests the series will lean heavily into humor. Jimmy Tatro, also known for his comedic work in "American Vandal" and "The G Word with Adam Conover," is set to star alongside Gisondo, though his specific role has not yet been detailed. The series is being developed under the umbrella of DC Studios, which is undergoing a significant creative overhaul under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. Their tenure began in late 2022 with the stated goal of revitalizing the DC cinematic universe across film, television, and animation, aiming for a more cohesive and critically acclaimed output. The decision to move forward with "The People v. Gorilla Grodd" indicates a willingness to explore diverse storytelling formats within the DC IP, moving beyond traditional superhero action to embrace genre subversions. The mockumentary style, popularized by shows like "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation," allows for a unique perspective on the characters and the world they inhabit, often through the use of direct address to the camera and observational humor. The series' premise, centering on a trial involving a prominent DC villain, offers ample opportunity for commentary on justice, media sensationalism, and the public perception of superheroes and supervillains. The specific details of Gorilla Grodd's alleged crimes and the legal proceedings are expected to be a central focus, potentially drawing parallels to real-world legal dramas and media frenzies. The production timeline and expected release date for "The People v. Gorilla Grodd" have not yet been announced, but its official order by HBO Max signifies a concrete step towards its realization. The series will likely be a significant addition to HBO Max's content library, which has been actively seeking to bolster its offerings with high-profile projects following its rebranding from the streaming service formerly known as DC Universe. The collaboration between DC Studios and HBO Max underscores the interconnected strategy for DC's television presence, with many projects now being developed for the streaming platform.