HBO Max Orders Gorilla Grodd Mockumentary Series

HBO Max has officially greenlit "The People v. Gorilla Grodd," an eight-episode mockumentary series that reframes a notorious Metropolis murder case as a true-crime docuseries. The project centers on Daily Planet reporter Jimmy Olsen, portrayed by Skyler Gisondo, who reopens the conviction of the superintelligent ape Gorilla Grodd, played by Jimmy Tatro. The series will investigate whether Gorilla Grodd was wrongly convicted of killing his father, the King of Gorilla City. This mockumentary is conceived as an in-world artifact, appearing as a documentary produced by the Daily Planet for the citizens of Metropolis, rather than a conventional comic-book adaptation. The creative team behind the series includes Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, known for creating the Peabody-winning Netflix series "American Vandal" and the eSports-focused "Players." Yacenda and Perrault will serve as writers, executive producers, and showrunners for "The People v. Gorilla Grodd." Yacenda is also directing all eight episodes, while Perrault will also appear in the cast. Tatro and fellow cast member Eduardo Franco have prior experience with the mockumentary format, having both appeared in the first season of "American Vandal." This connection provides a direct link between their previous work and the new DC Studios series. Yacenda and Perrault expressed their enthusiasm for the project, stating in a joint statement, "We're excited by the challenge of creating a series that feels less like an entry into the DCU and more like an artifact from it. A Daily Planet original documentary made for the people of Metropolis." They also indicated that the series aims to appeal to fans of the comic books and comedy. The series was first reported in late 2025, and its official title, cast, and episode order have now been confirmed. Several cast members from the 2025 "Superman" film are also set to reprise their roles, expanding the Daily Planet ensemble from that movie. This strategic casting choice aims to create a cohesive narrative universe and leverage existing fan recognition. The mockumentary format allows for a unique exploration of a DC villain's origin story, delving into themes of justice, perception, and the media's role in shaping public opinion within the fictional DC Universe. The series promises a blend of investigative journalism, courtroom drama elements, and comedic satire, characteristic of Yacenda and Perrault's previous successful projects. The decision to focus on a lesser-explored aspect of Gorilla Grodd's lore offers a fresh perspective on established DC characters and narratives.