DC Studios recently announced a new spinoff series, DC Crime, focusing on Daily Planet reporter Jimmy Olsen as he investigates major cases involving superheroes, though Clark Kent, played by David Corenswet, and Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, are not expected to appear. This development raises questions about how the David Corenswet Superman connection might be maintained in the evolving DC Universe narrative.
Jimmy Olsen’s Expanded Role After the Superman Film
Jimmy Olsen, played by Skyler Gisondo, was first introduced as a key supporting character in James Gunn‘s Superman movie, where he assisted Lois Lane in gathering critical evidence needed to bring down Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult. Despite a limited amount of screen time, Jimmy’s presence stood out, sparking conversations among fans, especially concerning his relationship with Eve Teschmacher, played by Sara Sampaio.
The idea for a series centered on Olsen began circulating amid other rumors about potential spinoffs, like one for Mister Terrific, a breakout character portrayed by Edi Gathegi. While it is clear that DC Crime aims to spotlight Jimmy Olsen and other Daily Planet reporters as they take on high-stakes stories, there is notable absence of the DC Universe’s most iconic superhero and his partners, at least in an official capacity for now.
Superman’s Potential Role Without Clark Kent
Reports have specifically stated that Clark Kent and Lois Lane will not appear in DC Crime, but this restriction does not necessarily extend to their actors’ other possible roles. This distinction leaves room for David Corenswet to appear not as Clark Kent, but as Superman himself.
Because the show’s first major case reportedly centers on the villain Gorilla Grodd, known as an adversary of The Flash, viewers might expect the involvement of superheroes such as Mister Terrific, Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), or even Superman. Bringing Superman into DC Crime, even briefly, would provide a meaningful link back to the Superman film and reinforce the connection between Jimmy Olsen and the broader Justice Gang.
The prospect of Superman making an appearance, rather than his alter ego Clark Kent, would serve as both a creative nod and a strategic way to bridge the new series to the larger DC Studios film universe, maintaining the David Corenswet Superman connection for viewers invested in that storyline.
Referencing Lois Lane and Clark Kent Without Direct Appearances
Should the series include scenes set in The Daily Planet offices, it faces the challenge of accounting for the absence of both Lois Lane and Clark Kent. One way the show can manage this is by integrating explanations tied to their activities; for instance, Jimmy Olsen could mention that Lois is undertaking an assignment elsewhere or that Clark’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Given that much of the Superman movie unfolded outside The Daily Planet, it would be consistent for the new series to portray Lois and Clark as frequently away on other important projects, using their absences as a recurring theme or humorous reference. This solution keeps these major characters in the audience’s consciousness, even if they do not physically appear, while ensuring Jimmy remains the focal point.
The development of DC Crime remains in its early stages. Showrunners Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, recognized for their work on American Vandal, might ultimately find creative ways for David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan to reprise their Superman and Lois Lane roles through cameos or brief appearances. For now, the strategy seems to be to honor their impact on Jimmy’s world, either through clever references or indirect connections.
What the Future Holds for DC Crime and Its Superman Ties
As DC Crime continues development at DC Studios, questions about the resilience of the David Corenswet Superman connection linger among fans. With Jimmy Olsen in the spotlight and the absence of Clark Kent and Lois Lane explained through story devices, the stage remains set for potential surprises. Cameos by major Justice Gang members or inventive storytelling techniques could ensure Superman’s presence is felt even without a conventional appearance, keeping the thread to the original movie strong. The approach taken by showrunners and the studio will determine the long-term integration of Superman and related characters in the expanding DC Universe on television.
