WhenJ.K. Simmonsstepped back into the shoes of the irascible J. Jonah Jameson for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Spider-Man films, fans were quick to notice a significant change in the character’s appearance. Gone was the character’s signature flat-top haircut, replaced by a bald head. However, this was not a change that Simmons embraced without resistance.
That was not mine. And in fact, I argued against it.
In a recent interview withComicBook, Simmons revealed his efforts to preserve Jameson’s traditional look for his return inSpider-Man: Far From HomeandSpider-Man: No Way Home. He explained that the decision to make Jameson bald was not his and that he had, in fact, argued against it. According to Simmons, the change might have been a result of the rushed filming schedule for his cameo in “Far From Home.” Simmons revealed:
“That was not mine. And in fact, I argued against it. I think honestly, it was a question of by the time they got around to, they were deep into post-production on the movie, and we shot that one day of whatever, two, three, four scenes I had in the first movie. We shot it in one day in somebody’s office on the Sony lot or one of the studio lots in LA. They just cleared out their pictures of their wives and kids and it was shot so quickly that I suspect part of the reason for them arguing against it was, I mean, the logical argument against it is it’s many years…”
10 Animated Characters You Probably Didn’t Know Were Voiced by J.K. Simmons
The actor who played The Daily Bugle’s editor-in-chief voiced a vast number of animated characters over the years. Here are some of them.
Despite his disappointment over the loss of Jameson’s iconic hairstyle, Simmons did manage to negotiate a compromise with the filmmakers. He was allowed to retain the character’s mustache, a feature he felt was essential for maintaining the “throwback vibe” of the character. Simmons said:
“The Sam Raimi trilogy was very much kind of a throwback vibe, and particularly my character. I mean, I was kind of channeling the Preston Sturgis-era of movie making… We finally sort of compromised by me saying, I really want to keep the mustache. I really want to keep everything about the guy.”
J.K. Simmons Reflects on Jameson’s Updated Look and Its Impact on Fans
Simmons also mused on the potential implications of Jameson’s new look, suggesting that it could spark debates among fans about whether the character had gone bald over the years or had been wearing a toupee all along. He said:
“And then the debate that we’re inspiring I guess is ‘Did he go bald in the meantime or was he wearing a toupee his entire life as the head of The Daily Bugle?’ But I think at the end of the day, it’s an appropriate way to bring that character into the 21st century as the kind of media mogul that he is as opposed to the kind of dinosaur that he was.”
While Simmons may have had reservations about the changes to Jameson’s appearance, his portrayal of the character remains a highlight of the MCU’s Spider-Man films. Meanwhile, fans of Simmons can also enjoy his voice work as Omni-Man in the Prime Video seriesInvincible.
Spider-Man 3 / Spider-Man: No Way Home
