JK Simmons to Return for Spider-Man 4

The Spider-Man franchise hit a sour note on three, but they are forging on. News hints that a May 2011 release and though the cast is rumoured to all return, nothing is on paper yet.

However the ripped-from-the-pages portrayal of J. Jonah Jameson that seasoned all three films will return.

MTV Splashpage quotes JK Simmons

Given the blowhard, fast-talking nature of his character, you’d think Simmons would be lobbying for more screen time, but according to the actor, the status quo is fine with him.

“We’ve definitely brainstormed ideas for Triple-J, but I have no desire to make Triple-J more of the focus of those movies,” he said. “The amount that I did in 1, 2 and 3, is just exactly right.

I like that Simmons knows his role here. Jameson has never been a major player in the Spider-man books, but he was always present. He represented the hardships of Peter Parker’s mundane life and tied him to his Superhero life. Every bit a requirement in a film adaptation, and Simmons knows it. He is what he is, and is happy to do it.

I look forward to seeing Raimi try again. Two out of three ain’t bad, so I am willing to see him keep it up. Maguire I am happy to see as Spidey. And I could take or leave Dunst, but depending on how important she will be to the story (I hope not at all) I don’t mind her as a background character in Parker’s life. MJ was never a big player either, but just like Jameson, she is a requirement but should be a minor supporting role to fill an aspect of Parker’s life. We all saw what happened when MJ became the focus of a film.