Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda are running the show.
This summer’s ‘Superman’ was not just a hit at the box office and a successful jumping-off point for James Gunn’s fledgling reboot of the DC universe on screens, it also saw fans embracing several characters.
Now, per The Hollywood Reporter, one of the most popular is getting his own TV spin-off show. Sorry, Krypto fans… it’s Jimmy Olsen.
OT00arSyAacXCGscjvNND4
Yes, the photographer reporter buddy to Clark Kent (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), as played in the movie by Skyler Gisondo, will be heading up his own show, currently without a title.
The concept centers on Olsen, as well as other Daily Planet reporters (minus Lois and Clark who are unlikely to appear beyond possible cameos), who tackle cases involving super-powered villains.
Gorilla Grodd will be in the spotlight for the first season.
In case you don’t know your DC lore, Grodd is a super-intelligent evil ape who rules a secret African city named Gorilla City. The character is a key antagonist for the Flash, and first appeared in an issue of the Scarlet Speedster’s comics back in 1959. He was created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino.
Could this be a stealthy way of introducing DC Studios’ take on the speedster? Anything’s possible, though we won’t hold our breath just yet.
As for the tone, the new show sees Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, who created the award-winning Netflix mockumentary ‘American Vandal,’ overseeing, so we’re predicting a comical mock-doc format.
What other DC TV series are in the works?
(L to R) Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in ‘Lanterns’. Photo: John P. Johnson/HBO.
Probably the highest profile of the series right now is ‘Lanterns’, which has been shot and is due to debut on HBO next year. It stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as two of the Green Lantern Corps, humans given powerful rings that can manipulate energy.
The show is planned as a gritty, mostly Earth-based thriller series and will see ‘Superman’s Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) show up.
And more recently, we learned that another DC comics title (albeit not one set within the ‘Superman’ universe), ‘V for Vendetta’ is in the early stages of a possible TV series, following the 2006 movie adaptation.
When will the Jimmy Olsen show be on screens?
There is no word yet on when this one might arrive, but don’t expect it much before some point in 2027. Meanwhile, hope burns eternal for the ‘Eagly & Krypto: Animal Trouble’ show we keep watching (in our heads).
(L to R) David Corenswet and Krypto in ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram account.
‘Superman’ follow-up ‘Man of Tomorrow’ is due in 2027.
David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult are expected to return.
James Gunn is writing and directing.
It might not have been a completely soaraway success at the box office this summer, but ‘Superman’, DC Studios co-chief James Gunn’s cinematic kick off to his new take on the comic book universe certainly performed well enough that a follow-up is now in the works.
OT00arSyAacXCGscjvNND4
Gunn himself had already said that he was in the writing phase for a new movie, and he has now taken to social media to tease that it’ll be flying into theaters on July 9th, 2027.
While there are few clear details on the movie so far, Gunn’s choice of image for the post (see below) does seem to indicate that at least David Corenswet will be back as Superman, alongside Nicholas Hoult as the scheming Lex Luthor.
Gunn is keeping this one close to his chest for now. The filmmaker has previously clarified that it won’t be a direct sequel to ‘Superman’, but the image of Supes and Lex certainly does point to a return for the hero and villain of the movie.
The ‘Superman: The Man of Tomorrow’ DC Comics series ran for 16 issues from 1995 to 1999, and there is an animated adaptation already.
But like ‘Superman’ before it, don’t expect this to be a straight adaptation, instead we know that Gunn will be picking and choosing what he wants to use, and once more bringing his own sensibilities to bear on the story.
We’d be surprised if the likes of Rachel Brosnahan and Skyler Gisondo didn’t return as Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen respectively, but we’ll have to wait and see whether the likes of the Justice Gang or any of the other supporting characters show up.
And what of breakout star Krypto, though we know we’re getting more of the chaotic canine when ‘Supergirl’ lands next year (more on that in a moment? Even if he doesn’t crash the follow-up movie, we can perhaps hope for a limited series run of him and ‘Peacemaker’s Eagly teaming up?
What else is going on with the rebooted DC movie universe?
Milly Alcock on the set of ‘Supergirl’. Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram account.
Next up in movie terms is ‘Supergirl’, starring Milly Alcock, who –– spoiler alert in case you still haven’t seen ‘Superman’ –– showed up for a quick seen at the end of that movie to pick up Krypto. That film is due out on June 26th next year.
Following that we have a dip into horror with ‘Clayface’, the tale of the Batman antagonist, which has James Watkins directing and Tom Rhys Harries starring. It’ll head to theaters on September 11th, 2026.
And finally on the actually confirmed front there is ‘Lanterns’ featuring two of the Green Lantern characters, with the show headed to HBO Max next year (but with no official date announced yet).
Fans are worried that James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ has too many characters in it.
James Gunn is known for large ensemble casts and knows how to write for them.
No one has ever complained about the numerous characters in ‘The Godfather’.
Every time a new trailer or TV spot for ‘Superman‘ is released, the internet is abuzz with people saying that there are too many characters. The concerns are that if there are too many characters, the story would be difficult to follow, there would be too many side plots to give the core story the time it needs, and the film would end up too oversaturated.
OT00arSyAacXCGscjvNND4
The thing is, James Gunn is well known for his large ensemble casts. This is his wheelhouse, so there is no reason to be worried. He thrilled Marvel fans with the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy‘ trilogy, and his ‘The Suicide Squad‘ success surely had something to do with DC Studios handing him the reins as co-CEO.
On top of that, this feels like just another reason for people to complain about something they aren’t even that passionate about, as no one has ever said the same about ‘The Godfather‘, which has just as many characters.
The Prominent Characters In ‘Superman’ All Make Sense For The Story We Assume Is Being Told
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
One of the biggest thing that fans need to remember about ‘Superman’ is that this is technically the introduction into James Gunn’s DCU, as it is the first feature film. Yes, ‘Peacemaker‘ is (mostly) cannon and ‘Creature Commandos‘ is included yet animated, but this is the real start of Gunn’s plans. Because of this, it is necessary to establish the world that these heroes live in. Superman is not the only hero, and opting not to include any others would only hurt the believability of the story.
How many times have people asked where the Eternals or Namor were during the events of ‘Avengers: Infinity War‘ and ‘Avengers: Endgame‘ and why they never came to help? Even if Marvel tries to offer a reason, most viewers do not accept it. James Gunn is avoiding this response to ‘Superman’ by showing where the main characters of the DCU are during these events and establishing that they do exist in this world.
David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent / Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luther, can you imagine a story that only involves the three of them? Not only would it likely get very boring, very quickly, it risks being repetative and too closed off.
Adding in nurmerous characters (that are likely to not be a major part of the plot, mind you) such as Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr will bring in subplots and round out the universe, making it more realistic while simultaneously setting up for what is to come in future films and television projects.
If Anyone Can Handle An Ensemble Cast, It Is James Gunn
It is hard not to laugh at the idea that ‘Superman’ has too many characters when you look at who is behind it all. James Gunn is writing and directing, and if anyone knows his way around an ensemble cast, it is that man. He is a genuis when it comes to plucking characters out of obscurity and telling an emotional, exciting, and action-packed story around them.
While Superman, Lois Lane, and Lex Luther are undoubtedly household names, several other characters in ‘Superman’ are not. Those who do not read DC Comics and don’t immerse themselves in these worlds, probably have never heard of Mister Terrific or Steve Lombard. James Gunn excels at bringing these types of characters to life.
If you look at character list for ‘The Suicide Squad’, it has just as many, if not more, than ‘Superman’ does. There were two complete rosters in that movie and fans still soaked it all in and loved nearly every moment of it. James Gunn is brilliant when it comes to giving every character, big or small, their time to shine and justifying their reason to exist in that universe. There is no reason to believe he will not do the same with ‘Superman’.
No One Has Ever Said ‘The Godfather’ Has Too Many Characters
(L to R) James Caan, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and John Cazale in ‘The Godfather’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
The final point to make in this arguement is that no one has ever said ‘The Godfather’ had too many characters – and there are at least fifteen prominent characters in that movie. They do not all need a backstory for it to make sense that they exist in the world. Viewers don’t complain that the plot gets lost because there are so many of them, and ‘The Godfather’ certainly is not considered a bad movie (not even remotely).
This is just one example of a beloved film having multiple characters, each with a job to do to drive the plot forward even if you don’t know about their upbringing or their deep dark secrets. A movie can have one hundred main characters and still be good if the writing and the story being told is good.
James Gunn himself pointed out that ‘Oppenheimer‘ has three times as many speaking roles as ‘Superman’ does and promises that the film will not confuse anyone in an interview with IGN. Plus, ‘Superman’ isn’t even out yet, so can we please normalize saving the criticism of a movie until after you watch it?
(L to R) David Corenswet and Krypto in ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram account.
With David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Gunn has been busy making the movie under great scrutiny, his concept for Superman seen as partly defining the way ahead for DC on screens big and small.
Now, though, barring any planned additional footage shoots, Gunn is headed into the post-production stage ahead of the movie’s release next year. We can likely expect at least the first teaser before the year is out.
“And that’s a wrap,” Gunn posted on Instagram about wrapping. “God bless our cast and crew whose commitment, creativity, and hard work have brought this project to life.”
David Corenswet as Superman in James Gunn’s ‘Superman’. Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram.
Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) will already be an established reporting star.
Peter Safran, Gunn’s co-chief of DC Studios (and a producer on the movie) said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
Who is appearing in ‘Superman’?
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Alongside Corenswet and Brosnahan, there’s an eclectic, sprawling cast.
That’s the main ensemble; we can expect an appearance from Gunn’s brother Sean (a regular in his movies, who has played the likes of Kraglin and provided the on-set reference performance and voice for Rocket Raccoon in the ‘Guardians’ franchise) as the villainous Maxwell Lord.
Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell are playing the Kents in ‘Superman’.
James Gunn is directing the new movie.
‘Superman’ will be out on July 11th, 2025.
The cameras have been cranking for a while on James Gunn’s new ‘Superman’ movie, the reboot he’s looking to have kick off –– on the big screen, at least –– his and DC Studios’ co-CEO Peter Safran’s vision for the DC universe going forward.
And though Gunn has previously said that he won’t necessarily be diving back into all the iconic origin narrative points of Clark Kent/Superman’s story, it does appear there is room for both of his parents to appear.
The Wrap reports that Pruitt Taylor Vince has been cast as Jonathan Kent, the farmer who, with wife Martha, discovers an infant Kal El in a crashed spaceship and adopts him as their own, raising Clark to be a good man who channels his parents’ morals when he discovers his powers.
In a separate story, the outlet has revealed that Neva Howell will play Martha. Jonathan in particular tends to be a tragic figure, the character dying when Clark is a young man. Whether that holds true here (or if he’s only seen in flashback) remains to be seen.
OT00arSyAacXCGscjvNND4
What’s the story of ‘Superman’?
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton story (though that and now clearly his time in Smallville will factor in) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois Lane will already be an established reporting star.
Safran said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
That’s the main ensemble; we can expect an appearance from Gunn’s brother Sean (a regular in his movies, who has played the likes of Kraglin and provided the on-set reference performance and voice for Rocket Raccoon in the ‘Guardians’ franchise) as the villainous Maxwell Lord.
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Preview:
James Gunn has announced that ‘Superman: Legacy’ is now just ‘Superman’.
Film has commenced in Atlanta.
David Corenswet plays the title character.
February 29th, in case you weren’t aware of this particular nugget of comic book trivia, happens to be Superman’s birthday, at least in DC canon (partly picked to explain why he doesn’t seem to age as quickly as other characters).
It’s also the day that James Gunn kicked off production on his new movie about the character. And the writer/director used to occasion to announce that, somewhere between his first and final draft of the script, the title has changed from ‘Superman: Legacy’ to simply… ‘Superman’.
Gunn hit Instagram to announce both the start of the shoot and the new, simple title:
And, per the post’s illustration, the filmmaker also gave us a sneak peek at the insignia to be worn on the chest of his Superman, framed by frosty particles we can assume come from Supes’ famous Fortress of Solitude.
What’s the story of ‘Superman’?
New ‘Superman’ logo. Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois will already be an established reporting star.
Peter Safran, Gunn’s co-chief of DC Studios (and a producer on the movie) said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
That’s the main ensemble; we can expect an appearance from Gunn’s brother Sean (a regular in his movies, who has played the likes of Kraglin and provided the on-set reference performance and voice for Rocket Raccoon in the ‘Guardians’ franchise) as the villainous Maxwell Lord.
(Left) Milly Alcock in ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photo: Ollie Upton / HBO. (Right) DC Comics’ Supergirl from writer Tom King’s ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.’ Photo courtesy of DC.com.
Preview:
Milly Alcock has won the role of Supergirl the DCU.
She will first appear in James Gunn’s ‘Superman: Legacy’.
The character will also lead ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’.
James Gunn has found the person he wants to play Kara Zor-El –– AKA Supergirl, the superpowered young woman who is Superman’s cousin –– in ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’.
Milly Alcock, best known for playing the young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s first season of ‘Game of Thrones’ spinoff ‘House of the Dragon’, has landed the much-sought-after role in the DC Universe being overseen by Gunn and his fellow DCU boss/producer Peter Safran.
While such casting announcements –– this one came via The Wrap –– usually sit in the rumor sphere before the studio comments, Gunn has taken to Instagram to confirm Alcock’s presence in the DCU.
‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ will be a big-scale sci-fi film based on Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s comic run. It features a “darker, harsher” version of Kara Zor-El raised on a surviving chunk of Krypton who sees everyone around her die.
This is what Gunn said at the time of the announcement:
“This is a very different type of Supergirl. In our film, we see the difference between Superman, who was sent to Earth and raised by loving parents from, you know, the time he’s an infant, versus Supergirl, who was raised on a rock chip-off of Krypton and watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life, and then came to Earth when she was a young girl and is much more hardcore. She’s not exactly the Supergirl we’re used to seeing.”
Who else was in the running for Supergirl?
Emilia Jones in ‘CODA’
Alcock got the role after an audition and a screen test, and the other two main contenders were Emilia Jones (who starred in Oscar winner ‘CODA’ and appeared in last year’s ‘Cat People’), and Meg Donnelly, known for the Disney ‘Zombies’ movies.
Donnelly also had some experience with Supergirl, as she has voiced the role in several animated DC outings.
Milly Alcock in ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photo: Ollie Upton / HBO.
‘Superman: Legacy’ has a release date scheduled for July 11th, 2025. Given that it has yet to find a director, the Supergirl movie has yet to lock in a date.
(Left) Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account. (Right) Superman. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.com.
Skyler Gisondo has been cast as Jimmy Olsen in ‘Superman: Legacy’.
Sara Sampaio has also joined the movie as Eve Teschmacher.
Director James Gunn has been busy building his cast around stars David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan.
As he looks to get the movie chugging towards production again in the wake of the writers and actors’ strikes, filmmaker James Gunn is quickly building the cast he needs for ‘Superman: Legacy’.
There has been a flurry of new casting of late, with Nicholas Hoult the most recent addition as villain Lex Luthor.
Today brings word that Skyler Gisondo, seen in movies such as ‘Booksmart’ and ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’, has won the role of Jimmy Olsen. Sara Sampaio, meanwhile, will play Luthor’s assistant (and often love interest) Eve Teschmacher.
OT00arSyAacXCGscjvNND4
What’s the story of ‘Superman: Legacy’?
(Left) Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account. (Right) Superman. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.com.
The exact storyline remains a mystery, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois Lane will already be an established reporting star.
Peter Safran said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
Who else is in ‘Superman: Legacy’
(Left) David Corenswet in Netflix’s ‘The Politician.’ (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video’s ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’
Gunn has already found both his Superman and Lois, as David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan were announced before the actors’ strike began.
Shortly after that, we learned that Isabela Merced nabbed the part of Hawkgirl, regular Gunn actor Nathan Fillion would be taking the role of Green Lantern Guy Gardner, with ‘Barry’s Anthony Carrigan winning the character of Metamorpho and ‘Twilight’ veteran Ed Gathegi aboard as Mister Terrific.
More recently (as in, the last week or so), María Gabriela de Faría, who will play The Engineer, and as mentioned above, Nicholas Hoult is on to be Lex Luthor.
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Olsen debuted in comics form in Superman #13 (November–December 1941) and on the radio.
He traditionally appears as the best friend to Clark Kent (Superman’s cover story) and works as a photojournalist at the Daily Planet alongside Clark and Lois.
Who is Eve Teschmacher?
(Left) Sara Sampaio in ‘Carga.’ (Right) Valerie Perrine as Eve Teschmacher in ‘Superman.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
As opposed to many of the other Superman characters who got their start on the comics page or radio serials, Miss Teschmacher was created for 1978’s ‘Superman’ by director Richard Donner and writer Mario Puzo. Played in that film and sequel ‘Superman II’ by Valerie Perrine (where she was Lex Luthor’s associate), the character also since crossed over into the comics and has appeared in other DC spin-offs, including ‘Supergirl’.
When will ‘Superman: Legacy’ be in theaters?
The new Superman film is scheduled to be in theaters on July 11, 2025.
James Gunn in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.
Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Christina Applegate, Steele Stebbins, Skyler Gisondo and selfie-taker Ed Helms.
The Griswolds packed up the car a couple days early and made a few million dollars along the way.
“Vacation” debuted Wednesday (with some late-night Tuesday screenings) and collected a respectable $3.8 million despite mostly bad reviews and a paltry 28 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The latest in the franchise, starring Ed Helms and Christina Applegate, is expected to finish with about $30 million after five days.
By opening mid-week, the comedy got a head start on “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” which arrives in theaters Friday. The well-reviewed fifth go-round with Tom Cruise leading his Impossible Missions Force is forecast to bring in $40 million this weekend.
Cruise, who also is a producer, says a sixth “Mission: Impossible” is already in the works and could be shooting by next summer.
