J.K. Simmons Cast as Commissioner Gordon in ‘Justice League’

As we rev up for the expected behemoth that is Batman v Superman (due in theaters on March 25th), here’s some potentially snappy news to whet the appetites of DC Comics fans. Oscar winning actor J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) appears set to join the upcoming two-part Justice League, portraying Commissioner Gordon, one the most venerable allies in the Batman canon.

Zack Snyder is set to direct both Justice League: Part One and Justice League: Part Two with pits the DC team together on mission against an evil outside their individual capacities; Snyder directed both DC entry point Man of Steel (2013) and the upcoming Batman v Superman. Henry Cavill will return as Superman as will Ben Affleck as Batman. The row of heroes joining the titans also include Wonder Woman (played by Gal Gadot), Aquaman (played by Game of Thrones vet Jason Momoa), The Flash (played by Ezra Miller, We Need to Talk About Kevin) and Cyborg (played by Ray Fischer). Amy Adams will also reprise her role of Supes’ main squeeze Lois Lane.

Production on Part One is expected to commence sometime next month. Part One is slated to open in theaters on November 17, 2017. Part Two will follow on June 14, 2019. Oscar winner Chris Terrio (Argo) penned the screenplay.

The role of Commissioner Gordon has been played by a great many actors in a great many different forms. Most recently, Oscar nominee Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) essayed the part on film in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy; currently Ben McKenzie is doing his duty on the network drama Gotham. Simmons, himself, is no stranger to the comic-book fold as he memorably played J. Jonah Jameson in the Spider-Man trilogy directed by Sam Raimi. He’s now jumping ship to the DC fold.

This rackets yet another plum role for the veteran actor since he took home an Oscar last year for his propulsive performance in the indie Whiplash. Coming later this year, Simmons will re-team with Whiplash director Damien Chazelle for the musical La La Land starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. He is also slated to appear alongside Michael Fassbender in the thriller The Snowman. He will next be seen on screen in the indie The Meddler, which stars Susan Sarandon and Rose Byrne.