When James Gunn and Peter Safran took the reins at DC Studios in late 2022, they promised a bold new era for the superhero franchise. But now, with Gunn's unexpected exit, the future of several projects hangs in the balance. One such project is the quirky legal comedy 'The People V. Gorilla Grodd', which had been quietly gaining buzz. Skyler Gisondo, who is set to star as Jimmy Olsen in an HBO series and appeared in 2025's 'Superman', recently shared his thoughts on the situation, admitting there are "a lot of questions" about what comes next.
The Shakeup at DC Studios
James Gunn's departure from DC Studios sent shockwaves through the industry. Gunn, who had been co-CEO alongside Peter Safran, was known for his ambitious vision to unify the DC Universe across film, television, and animation. His exit, reportedly due to creative differences with the new Skydance ownership, leaves many projects in limbo. Among them is 'The People V. Gorilla Grodd', a series that had been developing at HBO Max with Gunn's blessing. The show, which centers on a legal battle involving the intelligent gorilla villain, was seen as a unique addition to the DC slate, blending courtroom drama with superhero absurdity.
Gisondo's Candid Remarks
In a recent interview, Skyler Gisondo, who is attached to the project in an undisclosed role, was asked about the show's status. "There's a lot of questions," he said with a laugh. "I think everyone is waiting to see what happens next. It's a weird time for DC, but I'm hopeful." Gisondo's comments reflect the uncertainty felt across the industry, as actors and creators await clarity on which projects will move forward under the new regime. While Gisondo didn't provide specifics, his acknowledgment of the questions surrounding the series suggests that its future is far from guaranteed.
What Is 'The People V. Gorilla Grodd'?
For those unfamiliar, 'The People V. Gorilla Grodd' is a planned series that puts a legal spin on the classic DC villain. Gorilla Grodd, a super-intelligent gorilla with telepathic powers, has long been a foe of The Flash. The show would reportedly follow a courtroom battle as Grodd faces prosecution for his crimes, with darkly comedic undertones. It's a premise that fits Gunn's penchant for offbeat projects, similar to his work on 'Peacemaker' and 'The Suicide Squad'. The series was in early development, with no release date announced, but it had garnered attention for its unconventional approach.
The Impact of Gunn's Exit
Gunn's departure raises questions about the entire DC slate. Under his leadership, several projects were announced, including a new Superman film (which Gisondo appears in), a Batman reboot, and various TV spinoffs. With Skydance now at the helm, there's speculation that some of these projects could be shelved or reworked. 'The People V. Gorilla Grodd' is particularly vulnerable because it was a passion project for Gunn and hadn't yet entered production. However, sources close to the studio suggest that Skydance is open to continuing projects that show promise, especially those with unique concepts that could attract subscribers to HBO Max.
Gisondo's Busy Schedule
Regardless of what happens with 'The People V. Gorilla Grodd', Gisondo has a lot on his plate. He is set to reprise his role as Jimmy Olsen in an HBO series, a character he first played in 2025's 'Superman' opposite David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan. That series, which is still in development, is expected to explore the world of Metropolis from the perspective of the Daily Planet staff. Gisondo's portrayal of Jimmy has been praised for bringing a fresh, earnest energy to the character. With his commitments to that series, his schedule might not allow for 'Gorilla Grodd' even if it moves forward, adding another layer of uncertainty.
The Future of DC's TV Strategy
DC's television strategy has been in flux. Under Gunn, the plan was to create interconnected shows that would tie into the films, similar to the Marvel model. But with Gunn gone, Skydance might opt for a different approach, focusing on standalone series or more traditional superhero fare. 'The People V. Gorilla Grodd' was a risky bet, and it's unclear whether the new leadership will see it as a priority. The show's fate could also depend on how well Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen series performs; if it's a hit, that could boost confidence in other unconventional DC projects.
What's Next for Gisondo?
Gisondo, known for his roles in 'Booksmart' and 'The Righteous Gemstones', is one of Hollywood's rising stars. His involvement in DC projects has raised his profile, but he's also careful not to put all his eggs in one basket. He has several other projects in the pipeline, including indie films and a potential return to television. In the interview, he emphasized that he's taking things one step at a time. "I'm just grateful to be working," he said. "Whatever happens with Grodd, I'm excited for what's next." That attitude will serve him well in an industry where nothing is guaranteed.
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What is 'The People V. Gorilla Grodd' about?
The series is a planned DC project that centers on a legal battle involving Gorilla Grodd, a super-intelligent, telepathic gorilla villain. It blends courtroom drama with dark comedy and was in development for HBO Max.
Why did James Gunn leave DC Studios?
James Gunn's exit was reportedly due to creative differences with the new Skydance ownership. The details have not been fully disclosed, but it marks a significant shift in DC's leadership.
Will 'The People V. Gorilla Grodd' still happen?
It's uncertain. Skyler Gisondo said there are "a lot of questions" about the project's future. Its fate depends on whether Skydance decides to continue with Gunn's slate of projects.
What is Skyler Gisondo's role in the DC Universe?
Gisondo plays Jimmy Olsen in the 2025 'Superman' film and will reprise the role in an HBO series. He is also attached to 'The People V. Gorilla Grodd' in an undisclosed role.
What other DC projects are affected by Gunn's exit?
Several projects are in limbo, including a new Batman reboot, a Wonder Woman prequel series, and various other TV spinoffs. Skydance is expected to evaluate each project individually.