The DC Universe has managed to incorporate a good amount of characters from DC Comics within nearly ten years of films. From long-term legacy characters to individuals who have never appeared in live-action, the franchise has made room for numerous DC staples. However, not every character has received the proper treatment. Perhaps one of the most undignified character portrayals is that of Superman's pal, Jimmy Olsen.
While a central character in classic Superman stories, Jimmy Olsen is reduced to a cameo in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Appearing as a cameraman to Lois Lane, he suffers a rather unceremonious execution by terrorists before he can make much of an impression. Jimmy's not even named in the theatrical cut, only introducing himself in the Ultimate Edition of the film. For such an important legacy character in Superman's history, this is a massive waste of the potential he could bring to the series.
Jimmy Olsen's Death Robs the DCU of a Major Superman Character
Jimmy's death is a mistake because he is not a minor character in the source material. He isn't just an assistant to Lois Lane but a friend to Clark Kent and Superman. His friendship with Superman is such that he has the title of Superman's Pal and carries a secret signal watch to summon him. But because he is killed in the film before he can forge bonds with either of his famous friends, his role is reduced to nothing. And for a character with ties to Lois and Superman, it's strange he was treated with such carelessness.
The treatment of Jimmy is also odd because other adaptations have shown he can make the jump from the page. Although Olsen was originally a comic relief character who went on surreal adventures, he has also been interpreted in more serious ways. Supergirl featured a more confident Olsen, who became the hero Guardian. Meanwhile, Superman: Red Son depicted him as a CIA agent who graduated to the role of Vice President of the United States. While Batman v. Superman alludes to him being an undercover CIA agent, not much is done with it, and his death prevents any future appearances. That is a shame, as Jimmy could have had a much bigger role in Superman's cinematic adventures.
Jimmy Olsen Could Have Brought Something to the Table
But what makes Jimmy's usage in the DCU especially frustrating is he had a lot of story potential in future films. His new role as a CIA agent could've allowed him to accompany Lois and Clark to showcase a more action-oriented take on the character. Jimmy could have also added a new layer to Superman through his traditional friendship, as most of Clark's friends in the DCU are superheroes and not regular people. Even the character's strange Silver Age antics could have been utilized, as it would have provided a reason for him to show up in more light-hearted films outside of the Man of Steel's adventures.
Jimmy Olsen is a major part of the Superman mythos, but his film appearance was that of mere cannon fodder. His treatment in the DCU is a disservice to a classic character who deserves better. But while the door is more or less shut on him making a return, his essence can be salvaged with a new character who pays tribute to Superman's Pal.