From Marvel to DC: 'Spider-Man' Alum J.K. Simmons to Play James Gordon in 'Justice League'

Unfortunately, it's certain that J.K. Simmons won't be reprising his Spider-Man role on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as the true reason behind his quick dismissal of possible returns to the role has been revealed: he's moving to DC! The Oscar-winning actor, who brilliantly played Peter Parker's boss J. Jonah Jameson in the first trilogy, has been cast as Commissioner James Gordon in Justice League!

It was The Hollywood Reporter that broke the news this Monday, announcing the Whiplash actor has officially signed to play the role of Gotham's police Commissioner and the father of Batgirl, supposedly played in the DC Cinematic Universe by Jena Malone. Currently, the character, one of the longest-serving Batman allies, is being played by Ben McKenzie in the prequel series, Gotham.

While casting Simmons, an Oscar winner and one of the best character actors in Hollywood right now in the role of Gordon is a stroke of genius, it's also bittersweet news: this means without a shadow of a doubt that he won't be joining the MCU to reprise his first superhero movie role.

via GIPHY

Possibly his most recognizable role, Simmons has been missed so much as the editor-in-chief of the fictional Daily Bugle, that just a few days back, an online petition went viral, asking Disney to cast him in the role once again. Last week, Simmons quickly dismissed this, saying he wouldn't close the doors on the role, but nobody with decision power at Marvel was involved in the petition.

Now we know he was on the verge of snagging the role of Gotham's most recognized policeman. Hopefully, Marvel will get the hint and approach Gary Oldman, who played Gordon in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, to play J. Jonah Jameson, in a perfect switch of two great actors.

This is hardly the first time one actor goes from DC to Marvel to play characters from both major comic book companies. This year alone, Ben Affleck, who infamously played Marvel's Daredevil, will be taking on the role of the Caped Crusader on Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice; last month, Ryan Reynolds had his second try at being a superhero with Deadpool after his flopped turn on Green Lantern.

via GIPHY