When J.K. Simmons took on the role of J. Jonah Jameson in Sam Raimi’s SPIDER-MAN movies, the actor successfully brought an iconic comic book/cartoon character to life. To a generation of fans, he was Jameson. Now Simmons is looking to make lightning strike twice, as he’s signed on to play another non-super fan-favorite character from the world of superheroes, Commissioner Jim Gordon from the Batman mythos. He’ll be making the switch from Marvel to DC when he plays Gordon for the first time in Zack Snyder’s upcoming JUSTICE LEAGUE.

This will, presumably, be the start of a run for Simmons as Gordon. When you consider that there’s a standalone BATMAN movie planned, as well as more JUSTICE LEAGUE adventures on the projected film slate from WB/DC, it’d be a safe bet that we’re going to spend plenty of time with this new Commissioner Gordon.

Simmons hopes so, too.

In a chat with Entertainment Tonight, here’s what the actor had to say about the role:

“In the comics, he’s a pretty tough guy. He’s not just this comic relief. In the first film that we’re currently shooting [Justice League], my part is not as big as, knock wood, it will be in some of the future films…but the plan is if that there will be more Commissioner Gordon in the future. And I have absolutely no idea, zero idea, but I’m lobbying right now: let Commissioner Gordon be a badass.”

That answer indirectly reveals that Gordon won’t be kicking much of any ass in JUSTICE LEAGUE. It sounds like the part is on the smaller side, and will probably be relegated mainly to rooftop sequences with Batman and Co.

Also, when asked if he’d sought any counsel from the last big screen Jim Gordon, Gary Oldman, here’s what Simmons said:

“I have not, although our kids have been in school together. Actors like to do their own thing. Gary Oldman is a great, great actor, and I think he was awesome as Commissioner Gordon, and I’m doing a different version.”

Our first taste of Simmons as Gordon will come next year, when JUSTICE LEAGUE comes out on November 17, 2017.

SOURCE: ET