New set footage from DC Studios' upcoming series The People v. Gorilla Grodd shows the super-intelligent ape singing the Backstreet Boys' «As Long as You Love Me» and attending Metropolis University, offering an early glimpse of the tone for the eight-part true-crime documentary. The production is currently filming at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where social media videos have captured a performer in a gorilla costume participating in scenes that include a graduation ceremony and an a cappella performance.
The series is hosted by The Daily Planet's Jimmy Olsen, played by Skyler Gisondo, who reprises the role from James Gunn's Superman. Olsen investigates whether Grodd was wrongly imprisoned for killing his father, King Grodd. Jimmy Tatro has been cast as Gorilla Grodd, though the actor recently explained that his role is mostly voice work, with motion-capture used to record his facial expressions. The performer in the gorilla suit seen on set is likely a stand-in for what will eventually become a CGI character.
Videos from the set show Grodd in a cap and gown graduating from Metropolis University, singing with an a cappella group, and serenading a young woman with the Backstreet Boys hit. Additional footage appears to show Tatro performing «Party Rock Anthem.» The scenes suggest the series will blend the absurd with the investigative, consistent with a project from the creators of American Vandal.
The cast also includes Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, and Wendell Pierce as Perry White, all reprising their roles from James Gunn's Superman. Additional cast members include Mary Holland, Eduardo Franco, Dan Perrault, and Arian Moayed. The series is produced by DC Studios.
Gorilla Grodd was created by writer John Broome and artist Carmine Infantino, debuting in The Flash #106 in May 1959. The character is a super-intelligent ape with super strength, speed, telepathy, and telekinesis. He ranked 35th on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Villains of all time. The People v. Gorilla Grodd is an eight-part true-crime documentary series that will stream on DC Studios' platform.