The expansion of the DC Universe on television continues to take shape with new details about The People vs. Gorilla Grodd, the mockumentary-style comedy that HBO Max is preparing alongside DC Studios. According to a report from Murphy's Multiverse, Anthony Carrigan would be reprising his role as Rex Mason, also known as Metamorpho, joining a growing list of Justice Gang characters set to appear in the production.
This detail is significant because it confirms that the series will not be limited to exploring Gorilla Grodd's trial from a journalistic angle, but will also serve as a narrative bridge connecting different pieces of the shared universe, including heroes who already appeared in Superman and who are expected to return in Man of Tomorrow.
Rex Mason’s Return as Part of the Justice Gang
Within the continuity of the DCU, Rex Mason was forced to work for Lex Luthor while he and his son remained captive in a Pocket Universe. After crossing paths with Superman and helping resolve the conflict between Boravia and Jarhanpur, the character received an invitation to join the Justice Gang.
His possible appearance in The People vs. Gorilla Grodd adds to the already confirmed presence of Maxwell Lord, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific, reinforcing the idea that the series will function as an additional gear within the web of heroes and villains that DC Studios is building under James Gunn's supervision.
James Gunn Clarifies the Series’ Timeline
The production's chronology caused some confusion after Skyler Gisondo, who plays Jimmy Olsen, suggested in an interview with ScreenRant that the plot was set between Superman and Man of Tomorrow. In response, DC Studios co-chairman James Gunn took to the social network Threads to clarify the story's official timeline.
Gunn explained that, since it's a true crime series, the narrative moves freely between different moments, though within the overall continuity it is set after the events of Man of Tomorrow, a film that will also serve as a starting point before the series' streaming premiere.
Regarding the production's tone, Gisondo told Inverse about the combination of documentary satire and dramatic tension running through the scripts. The actor compared the series' opening to the style of American Vandal, though he warned that, being set in Metropolis, the narrative stakes escalate to a much more intense territory than expected.
Synopsis, Cast, and Creative Team
Conceived as a parody docuseries in eight episodes about real crimes, the story follows Gorilla Grodd, a superintelligent ape convicted of murdering his father, the King of Gorilla City. Through a journalistic investigation for the Daily Planet, Jimmy Olsen reopens the case to determine whether Grodd was the victim of an unfair trial in one of Metropolis's most high-profile legal proceedings.
Confirmed Cast
- Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
- Jimmy Tatro as Gorilla Grodd
- Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason / Metamorpho
- Wendell Pierce as Perry White
- Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard
- Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant
The supporting cast includes Mary Holland, Eduardo Franco, Arian Moayed, Dan Perrault, Andrew Leeds, and Tim Baltz.
The series is created, written, and directed by Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, the team behind American Vandal, with Yacenda directing all eight episodes. James Gunn and Peter Safran serve as executive producers.
A True Crime Format Within the DC Universe
The decision to depict a DC Universe conflict through the codes of a crime docuseries represents a shift from the usual structures of comic book-based productions. By centering the investigation on Daily Planet reporters like Jimmy Olsen, rather than on masked vigilantes, the plot prioritizes forensic analysis, biased testimonies, and institutional comedy over traditional action sequences.
This hybrid approach demonstrates DC Studios' intention to diversify its formats, addressing large-scale events from the perspective of media culture, press leaks, and the failures of Metropolis's judicial system.
The Gradual Expansion of the Justice Gang
The progressive addition of Justice Gang members, such as Metamorpho, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific, reinforces the idea of a shared universe where metahuman organizations operate visibly and in coordination within Metropolis's daily life. Rather than reducing these heroes' presence to combat interventions on the big screen, their relationship with the courts and journalism brings greater coherence to the studio's narrative fabric.
This strategy establishes secondary heroes as key pieces for sustaining continuity between major theatrical releases, generating connections that enrich the ecosystem of the new DC Universe.
The People vs. Gorilla Grodd is expected to premiere on HBO Max between 2027 and 2028, following the theatrical debut of Man of Tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will play Metamorpho in The People vs. Gorilla Grodd?
According to a report from Murphy's Multiverse, Anthony Carrigan would be reprising the role of Rex Mason / Metamorpho, a character he has previously played in the DC Universe.
When will The People vs. Gorilla Grodd premiere?
The series is expected to premiere on HBO Max between 2027 and 2028, following the theatrical release of Man of Tomorrow.
At what point in the DCU continuity is the series set?
James Gunn clarified that, within the overall continuity of the shared universe, the story is set after the events of Man of Tomorrow, though the true crime format causes the narrative to jump between different points in time.
What is The People vs. Gorilla Grodd about?
It is a parody docuseries in eight episodes that follows Gorilla Grodd's legal case, in which he was convicted of murdering his father, while Jimmy Olsen reopens the journalistic investigation for the Daily Planet.
Who are the creators of the series?
Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, known for American Vandal, are the creators, writers, and showrunners, with Yacenda directing all the episodes. James Gunn and Peter Safran serve as executive producers.
What other Justice Gang characters will appear in the series?
In addition to Metamorpho, the presence of Maxwell Lord, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific has been confirmed as part of the plot's development.
