Would J.K. Simmons play Omni-Man in a live-action Invincible? “All I need is the wig”
Before Invincible was a hit adult animated series on Prime Video, it was supposed to be a live-action movie adapted by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Yet despite the second season of Invincible streaming now, there’s still talk of the live-action movie happening, possibly with some of the same cast. So with that in mind, would J.K. Simmons, who is iconically voicing Nolan Grayson, aka Omni-Man in the series reprise his role in live action?
We asked Simmons just that question, clarifying that since it was an audio-only Zoom call, we couldn’t see if he was already bulking up for the part.
“Yeah, think Mr. Universe without hair if you picture me,” said Simmons laughing. “All I need is the wig. No, I mean, honestly, as far as I know, it's rumors. Iit would be great if a live version did happen, and I think I'm a solid 10 to 15 years past the age where I personally would cast myself as Nolan.”
As for those rumors, while the movie was originally announced as in development in 2017, as recently as 2021 discussions were still happening. And when we talked to actor Jay Pharoah, who voices hero Bulletproof as well as other roles on the animated show, he teased that some discussions were happening behind-the-scenes.
The point is, there still seems to be some sort of movement on a live-action Invincible – though Simmons has a pick for who should take on his role, one he had noted when prompted in a press call earlier in the rotation.
“I'm not going to lie, I had this discussion with one of your colleagues/competitors and was asked who should play it?” Simmons continued. “And after a little hemming and hawing, I said, ‘Oh, Hugh Jackman.’ If I was casting it, I would go to Hugh Jackman. And again, I may or may not be pissing off the people who are actually casting it or Hugh, but at least he's a pal, so he'll take it with a grain of salt.”
So there you go! Simmons won’t be Omni-Man in the live-action Invincible movie, but maybe Hugh Jackman will switch his claws for a mustache.
Invincible streams Thursdays at 3 am ET / Midnight PT on Prime Video.
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