Why we need more of J.K. Simmons’ J. Jonah Jameson in the MCU

With J.K. Simmons now part of the MCU, we explore the possibility of a J. Jonah Jameson solo project

When J.K. Simmons showed up as J. Jonah Jameson in Spider-Man: Far From Home, it was undoubtedly a great day for Marvel Comics and MCU fans.

Simmons is synonymous for his appearances as the character in Sam Raimi’s classic trilogy of Spider-Man movies and he also voiced the character in Ultimate Spider-Man on Disney XD. He played such an important role in making both him more than just a comic book character, personifying him in a way few actors could have dreamed of.

With that in mind, it was great seeing him in the Marvel Cinematic Universe… even if we weren’t sure he’d return. However, we recently found out that this may not have been a one off. During an interview on People TV’s Couch Surfing series, J.K. Simmons said:

"“I don’t know if I would use the word expect… When we signed on for the first movie, we signed a contract to do two sequels as well. Which is always – I guess not always, but in my case – a one-sided contract where you’re committed to do it, but they’re not necessarily committed to use your character in ensuing movies.”"

Simmons coming back as the loud mouth, cigar-smoking, Spider-Man hating guy who owns the Daily Bugle is exciting. As writer and editor of Bam Smack Pow Michael Patterson put it:

"“This definitely sounds like the kind of contract many actors within the MCU possess, allowing them to show up in certain movies throughout the franchise depending on what the creative team desires to happen. So it’s solely at the discretion of Sony/Marvel Studios right now and thus, a return may or may not happen”"

Simmons’ contract suggests he could possible show up in two Marvel Comics movies. However, Wouldn’t it be great to see more J. Jonah Jameson than just a couple of MCU movies?

Why we need a J. Jonah Jameson solo project in the MCU

Jonah is more than just the owner of Daily Bugle. He’s a husband, the father of an astronaut and was a photographer during World War II. During his time on the pages of Marvel Comics, he’s experienced things that many wouldn’t. During issue No. 217 of X-Factor, he showed another side of his personality that we don’t see all that often often – someone who understands intolerance. He debated an angry crowd of people protesting against immigration. Jonah used history to show how wrong they were. He even admitted his own privilege as an example. It’s moments like this that really display Jonah’s character as a man.

Throughout his career, J.K. Simmons has shown that there isn’t much he can’t do as an actor. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a stretch to have him play a more three-dimensional version of Jonah than the stereotypical yelling-about-Spider-Man caricature we see too often.

He easily pull off a deeper scene like the one mentioned above – even if it required some CGI to make him look younger. Furthermore, there are  other moments from the character’s past that would be very interesting to see on-screen – like his acquisition of the Daily Bugle.

Jonah didn’t start the Daily Bugle, but he did turn it into the massive success that it is renowned for being. During the its new regime, he did whatever he could to expose corruption and crime in New York – even though it meant that he would be insulted, ridiculed, and have his life threatened. None of that mattered. Jonah knew he had a responsibility as a member of the press to get to the truth.

Now, doesn’t this sound exactly like the kind of gritty story you’d love to see take place on-screen? A compelling reporter’s drama documenting the life of Jameson as he fought for the truth? If not a film, it could make for an interesting Disney Plus miniseries prequel.

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Moreover, there are other things a Disney Plus Jameson show could be about. There’s Robbie Robertson – his best friend in the comics and conscience of the Daily Bugle. Their friendship is the reason why the paper stayed afloat as long as it did. The relationship he’s had with reporters and photographers is another angle. He wasn’t always yelling at them. Sometimes he’d do things to encourage their work. Every so often he’d even compliment them.

A show about J. Jonah Jameson may not be something that goes longer than a season, but again, it could work very well as a miniseries. Then again, a reporter’s drama about the Daily Bugle could go on for a long time, taking place against the events of the MCU (much as ABC’s Agents of SHIELD does).

What do you think? Would you watch a show about J. Jonah Jameson starring J.K. Simmons? Let us know in the comments below.