The minds at DC Studios are reportedly developing a TV show spin-off based on Superman side character and superhero genius Mr. Terrific.
The latest news on the future DCU installment comes from a The Hollywood Reporter story. Mixed in with all of the dirty details behind the making of last week’s troubled comic book movie, Supergirl, is news that the company has been quietly tinkering away on a new project based on Mr. Terrific.
The character, a crime-fighting genius and technological wizard, made his live-action movie debut in the DCU’s first theatrical release, Superman, where he was played by StartUp star Edi Gathegi. Although the David Corenswet-starring film was directed by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, it’s unclear how involved he will be in the Mr. Terrific TV show.
Details on the series are light for now, as the project seems to be early days, but it sounds like DC and Warner Bros. have at least one name already attached behind-the-scenes: Allan Heinberg. TV watchers will recognize Heinberg as showrunner and writer for Netflix’s short-lived The Sandman series. He also helped as a writer for Wonder Woman, as well as multiple episodes of The O.C. and Grey’s Anatomy.
Heinberg will bring his experience in the live-action superhero movie genre as DC Studios continues bringing the pieces together. It sounds like Gathegi will return as Mr. Terrific for the show, too, though additional information about its plot, cast, and release date has yet to be confirmed.
The DCU is still very much going strong despite turbulence picked up by Supergirl in late June. The Milly Alcock-led entry in the cinematic universe only managed to pick up so-so reviews and disappointing box office returns in its opening weekend, leading to projections that could see Warner Bros. losing more than $100 million.
Still, the DCU seems set up for brighter days ahead. Lanterns, a Green Lantern TV show, is currently set to premiere in August. Body horror Batman spin-off Clayface will then head to theaters in October, with Man of Tomorrow, a proper Superman sequel, set to follow next July. How the Mr. Terrific TV show will materialize has yet to be revealed, but Gathegi is at least expected to reprise his role in Man of Tomorrow.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
