[Editor’s note: The following containsspoilersforSpider-Man: Far from Home.]
SeeingSpider-Man: Far from Homein a packed, opening night theater was a sincere delight. Not just because of the film’s action,Jake Gyllenhaalcharacter twists, or chemistry betweenTom Hollandandrecent Emmy winnerZendaya, but because of a phenomenal post-credits stinger: The return of Daily Bugle editor J. Jonah Jameson. Specifically, J. Jonah Jameson played byJ.K. Simmons. Reader: The audience gasped, cheered, and applauded, arguably louder than anything I saw inAvengers: Endgame. We love Simmons as Jameson! Can we have some more in the MCU? Please,Kevin Feige, please?
Some context: Simmons first played Jameson inSam Raimi’s 2000sSpider-Mantrilogy, getting the hair, mannerisms, and gruff no-nonsense ‘tude exactly correct. He became a high point of those features, instantly becoming one of the most iconic comic book movie performances, and sparking a bunch of memes in the process. “Get me pictures of Spider-Man”? You’ve heard it, you’ve used it, you can’t picture anyone else but Simmons barking it.
But whenSpider-Manshifted from a Sony property to a “Sony-Marvel” joint venture, gutting through a couple universe reboots along the way, fans always held out hope in the back of their minds that we might get some more Jameson — and that we’d get it without a recasting. J.K. SimmonsisJ. Jonah Jameson, and hisFar from Homecameo appearance, inspiredAlex Jones-esque take on the character, and audience reaction proves it.
Thus, when I had a chance to interview Simmons over the phone for the upcomingWhiplash4K Blu-ray, I simply had to ask if he had any further J. Jonah Jameson (or J.J.J. as he wonderfully calls him) MCU plans. Here’s what he said:
“There is a distinct chance, there have been discussions, and I’m not going to say anything definitive [laughter] because I don’t know if I’m allowed to. But yes, I’m very optimistic that I’ll have some more J.J.J. in my future.”
If Simmons is coyly optimistic, then partner, so am I! Be sure to look out for my full interview with Simmons soon. And for more on the MCU, here’swhat’s coming up in phase four and beyond.
