The most fascinating aspect of James Gunn‘s DC Universe is that it’s willing to take chances. In most superhero universes, the heroes are introduced first, followed by the villains, but that’s not the case in the DCU.
One of its upcoming TV ventures will feature a character that many fans never thought would be the lead of a series. The upcoming show about Jimmy Olsen has now been announced to have a major co-lead role with Gorilla Grodd, one of DC’s most iconic villains, before the franchise has even introduced its own version of The Flash.
Gorilla Grodd Is Stepping Into The Spotlight
Gorilla Grodd is not a character that is unknown to long-time DC readers. The hyper-intelligent telepathic gorilla has been one of The Flash’s biggest enemies for decades, featuring in comics, animation, and live-action adaptations. But it’s a big surprise for him to get such a big role this early in the DCU.
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Recently, James Gunn confirmed that the project is not a Jimmy Olsen series. It will instead be a show that will heavily feature Gorilla Grodd, which will be one of the most bizarre and interesting pairings in the new franchise.
The show is also supposed to be live-action, which means that Grodd will be the center of the show in a way that he has never been before. This is a good sign for those who’ve been hoping to see what the DCU would do with some of their more out-there comic book ideas.
The DCU Is Taking A Different Path
The absence of The Flash in this development is what makes it special. Superhero universes typically present their main characters first, and then delve into their villains and bad guys. But the DCU appears to be on a mission to establish itself as a force of its own.
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Gunn seems to be okay with letting the villain stand alone, rather than using him for a future Flash project. A big step, but one that might make the universe seem bigger and less predictable. Not all stories have to be about the largest heroes, after all.
It’s also cool that a franchise is willing to take on its more eccentric corners early on. The DCU isn’t afraid to take creative swings, from ‘Creature Commandos’ to ‘Clayface’ to ‘Lanterns’ to now a Jimmy Olsen-Gorilla Grodd series. James Gunn’s DC Universe is not playing it safe. And that’s what makes it fun for many fans.
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