Jimmy Tatro is set to bring DC’s iconic villain, Gorilla Grodd, to life in the upcoming Superman spinoff series centered around Jimmy Olsen. According to sources close to the project, Tatro’s casting is a significant addition to the buzz surrounding the series, although HBO has yet to officially greenlight the project.
As previously reported by Deadline, Tatro was in talks to join the DC Universe as the hyper-intelligent telepathic ape who has sought to rule both the simian and human worlds. The Flash has frequently thwarted his plans, making Gorilla Grodd a formidable and intriguing character for audiences to explore.
The spinoff series, which is being developed by Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, the creators of Netflix’s true-crime satire series American Vandal, will reportedly follow a true-crime docuseries format. Jimmy Olsen, played by Skyler Gisondo in the summer blockbuster directed by James Gunn, will host the series, delving into the world of DC’s iconic bad guys, with Season 1 focusing on Gorilla Grodd.
Gorilla Grodd, a character created in 1959 by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, has a rich history in the DC Universe. He has psychic powers and other skills, which he acquired after encountering an alien spaceship. The character has been featured in various adaptations, including DC’s Arrowverse. His complex and intriguing personality makes him an excellent choice for the spinoff series.
Tatro’s casting arrives at a busy time in his career, with the SoCal native currently promoting his next project, the Will Ferrell Netflix golf comedy series The Hawk. He will play the role of Lance, the son of Ferrell’s titular character, who is an incredible pro golfer in his own right. Tatro’s prior TV credits include ABC’s Home Economics, in which he was a main cast member, and Netflix’s mockumentary series American Vandal.
Up next on the big screen, Tatro will again star opposite Ferrell in the Nicholas Stoller-directed Judgment Day. Before, Tatro starred in Kevin Williamson’s Scream 7, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, and in Amazon’s You’re Cordially Invited, also with Ferrell. He has also appeared in 22 Jump Street, to name a few.
The Jimmy Olsen series comes from Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, who will write, executive produce, and showrun the series. DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran are executive producers, with Galen Vaisman overseeing production. Warner Bros. Television is also producing the series.
HBO Max declined to comment on the project, but the casting of Tatro as Gorilla Grodd is sure to generate significant buzz around the series. With Tatro’s impressive track record in comedy and drama, this spinoff series is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of the DC Universe.
