Superman spin-off series about Jimmy Olson

The "Superman" universe continues to expand

By Jonas Reichel on 4 min reading time

One of the most famous characters from the "Superman" universe is getting his own series. As The Hollywood Reporter reports, DC is working on a "Jimmy Olson" spin-off.

In the as yet untitled series, we follow Jimmy Olsen and other reporters from the Daily Planet as they investigate mysterious cases involving dangerous meta-beings in Metropolis. The main antagonist is Gorilla Grodd, a highly intelligent ape and ruler of the secret city of Gorilla City. James Gunn had previously hinted at Grodd's return and has now confirmed that he has special plans for the popular villain.

Olson will of course once again be played by Skyler Gisondo, who already won over fans with his charming and humorous portrayal in the "Superman" film. The screenplay was written by Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, the creative minds behind the award-winning mockumentary "American Vandal". There is no start date yet.

Skyler Gisondo: From child star to versatile character actor

Skyler Gisondo is one of those actors whose face you have seen many times, even if the name may not be immediately familiar. Born on July 22, 1996 in Palm Beach County, Florida, Gisondo began his career as a child and has since developed into a versatile actor. From family comedies to award-winning youth films and superhero blockbusters, he has shown an impressive range.

The beginnings: from child star to teen idol

Skyler Gisondo was in front of the camera from an early age. He first attracted attention with appearances in series and small film roles before finally playing the son of Ben Stiller's character, Nick Daley, in the family adventure film "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb".

In this third and final installment of the popular series, Gisondo was able to showcase his talent in a major motion picture for the first time. With his charming, natural charisma, he succeeded in making the father-son relationship credible and humorous – a decisive moment that allowed him to step out of the shadow of the child roles.

Breakthrough with Vacation

The next step in his career came just one year later with "Vacation". As James Griswold, the insecure but lovable son of a chaotic family, Gisondo impressed with fine comedic timing and plenty of self-irony. The film was a remake of the cult classic from the 1980s and brought the young actor international attention.

Although the comedy received mixed reviews, Gisondo's performance was widely praised. He proved that he not only works as a supporting character, but can also enrich a movie with personality and wit – a talent that he would continue to develop in the years to come.

Superhero experience in "The Amazing Spider-Man"

Even before his big comedy roles, Gisondo had a brief but notable appearance in the two "The Amazing Spider-Man" films (2012 and 2014). There he played Howard Stacy, the brother of Gwen Stacy, played by Emma Stone. Even though it was a supporting role, it marked Gisondo's first step into a major superhero franchise. This early connection to the comic book world would become important again years later when James Gunn discovered him for the DC universe – this time, however, in a much more central role.

New facets in "Booksmart"

After his success in family and action films, Gisondo increasingly turned to character roles in smaller but more challenging productions. His performance in "Booksmart" (2019), the acclaimed coming-of-age comedy by Olivia Wilde, is particularly noteworthy. As the eccentric and overambitious Jared, Gisondo delivered a performance that was both funny and touching, earning him much acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

Image of BOOKSMART Trailer (2019)

Success in the streaming sector

In addition to his film career, Skyler Gisondo also established himself in the series business. In the Netflix comedy "Santa Clarita Diet" (2017-2019), he starred alongside Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as a humorous, lovable teenager in a macabre horror comedy. He was later also seen in "The Righteous Gemstones" – a biting HBO satire about an eccentric televangelist family. Both formats underlined Gisondo's flair for quirky characters and ironic tones.

A new chapter in the DC universe

With James Gunn's new "Superman" film adaptation, Gisondo's career is now reaching new heights. He takes on the role of Jimmy Olsen, the young photographer of the Daily Planet – a character who has been an integral part of the Superman mythos for decades.

In Gunn's film, Gisondo was already praised for his charming portrayal, which combines classic naivety with modern ease. Now he is to take center stage again in his own series about Olsen and the Daily Planet reporters. This role could finally catapult him into the ranks of Hollywood's most sought-after young actors.

Conclusion

Skyler Gisondo has developed into one of the most exciting faces of his generation in recent years. From likeable teenager in family films to eccentric supporting roles and a permanent fixture in the DC universe – his career shows how continuous development and the courage to be versatile can shape an actor. With his natural charm, subtle humor and credibility in front of the camera, Skyler Gisondo is likely to remain a name to remember in the future.

Image of SUPERMAN Official Final Trailer (2025)