James Gunn is reportedly considering a tv spin off for these two Superman characters and its not Louis and Lex

The next DCU chapter may come from the minds of a genius inventor and a red-haired photographer—seriously.

As excitement builds for James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reboot, the filmmaker is apparently already charting the wider course of his new DC Universe—and he’s starting with two unexpected names: Mr. Terrific and Jimmy Olsen. According to a June 10 publication by the Wall Street Journal, industry insiders with knowledge of early DCU development plans, Gunn is exploring limited-series spinoffs centered around these two characters, both of whom will appear in Superman.

That’s right—while Lois Lane and Lex Luthor remain headline-grabbers, it’s the quieter, smarter, and in one case considerably nerdier characters who may be getting solo time in the spotlight. Mr. Terrific (aka Michael Holt) is known as one of the most intelligent people in the DC universe, while Jimmy Olsen has long been Superman’s loyal friend—and occasionally, a chaos magnet.

Gunn has never shied away from turning underdog characters into breakout stars (see: Guardians of the Galaxy, Peacemaker, Rocket Raccoon). And if the reports are accurate, he may see both Jimmy and Mr. Terrific as narrative glue—connective tissue that can expand the DCU’s tone, range, and heart, well beyond Metropolis.

Mr. Terrific might be the DCU’s smartest move yet for Superman

Mr. Terrific, played in Superman by Edi Gathegi, is an Olympic-level athlete, tech innovator, and stealth superhero all in one. His signature floating T-spheres, cutting intellect, and moral complexity make him a perfect candidate for a cerebral, espionage-tinged series. Think Sherlock Holmes meets Person of Interest, with a touch of Moon Knight-style identity drama.

According to sources close to the project, Gunn sees Mr. Terrific as a character with long-term universe potential, not just a one-time supporting role. A show focused on Holt’s backstory, his tech empire, and his quiet war against injustice could offer a completely different tone from the cape-and-cowl spectacle of Superman—more brains than brawn, more shadows than sunshine.

Jimmy Olsen could bring heart (and chaos) to the DCU

Then there’s Jimmy Olsen, the longtime Daily Planet photographer, occasional turtle transformation victim (yes, that’s real DC lore), and Superman’s goofball bestie. While past film iterations have downplayed his role, Gunn reportedly sees Jimmy as a hidden gem of relatability in a universe filled with gods and monsters. In Gunn’s hands, a spinoff centered on Jimmy could be comedic, quirky, and deeply human.

Whether chasing leads, getting in over his head, or accidentally stumbling into alien diplomacy, Jimmy’s adventures could offer a boots-on-the-ground perspective of a larger-than-life world. It’s also a brilliant way to bring in journalistic storylines and small-town charm to contrast the high-concept heaviness of the broader DCU. Basically: imagine Only Murders in the Building, but with Kryptonian cameos.

Final thoughts

James Gunn is playing the long game—and he’s playing it weird, bold, and smart. Mr. Terrific and Jimmy Olsen may not be the obvious choices for solo series, but that’s exactly what makes them so exciting. They represent two ends of the superhero spectrum: one a genius tactician, the other a lovable everyman. And if anyone can make you care deeply about both, it’s the guy who got you emotionally invested in a talking tree.

Let’s just say this: if these spin-offs happen, it’s not just Superman getting a reboot—it’s the whole idea of who a hero can be.