Today marks the 83rd birthday of Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen, who first appeared in the comics in 1941. Though initially unnamed and just referred to as “office boy,” Clark Kent’s ginger co-worker would soon gain a name, a bow tie, an upbeat go-getter attitude and, eventually, his own Silver Age solo series.
Of course, being Superman’s pal is not easy. It can lead to all sorts of things happening to you, like this:
if there’s anything worse than being turned into a 100-foot turtle, it’s Jimmy’s treatment in cinema. Superman has been on the big screen many times, and Lois and Lex have had many parts, but Jimmy is often pushed to the background if he’s there at all. Most infamously he appeared for five seconds in Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice before getting suddenly killed, an idea that most assuredly came from Edgelord Zack Snyder’s head (edgelords and Jimmy Olsen do not get along).
But in the Gunnverse things will be different. James Gunn’s tweet today promised Olsen would have a big role in next year’s Superman movie, and he revealed the grinning photo of the cast member who is taking on the role: Skyler Gisondo. He will be joining David Corsenswet as Clark Kent / Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Wendell Pierce as Perry White and Pruitt Taylor Vince as Pa Kent. Several other heroes have been revealed to be appearing: Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern.
Happy Anniversary to Superman’s pal, Jimmy Olsen, who debuted on this day in 1941 (although he did appear earlier as “office boy” in Action Comics 6). Created by Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster & Bob Maxwell. I can’t wait for you to see @SkylerGisondo’s portrayal in #Superman on July… pic.twitter.com/PG7DdF7QSL
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 25, 2024
Jimmy has had a better time in cartoons. He’s usually one of the central characters each time Superman gets a solo TV series. This includes the new My Adventures With Superman on Adult Swim, where he even gets to flirt with Supergirl.
The new Superman is scheduled to be released on July 11, 2025. Disney is prepared with counterprogramming to defend its turf, and will be releasing The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25 of that year. Who will be mightier?
