MCU Fans Want This ‘Scrubs’ Actor to Play J. Jonah Jameson Next
One of the highlights of 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home was the mid-credit cameo by fan-favorite J. Jonah Jameson.
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe operates separately from the Tobey Maguire movies from the turn of the millennium, Oscar-winner JK Simmons’ portrayal of the classic Spider-Man side character became the gold standard for the role.
By bringing him back, they not only let fans keep that in their heads, but played to the audience. Should Simmons not return, some fans want to see Scrubs’ John C. McGinley take the role instead.
Jameson in Spider-Man
While most notable characters in Spider-Man are either related to, in a relationship, or actively fighting Spider-Man, Jameson is a different sort of enemy.
He doesn’t chase down Spider-Man with his own set of superpowers, nor does he do so through his minions. Jameson’s means of fighting the web-slinger has less to do about committing crime and more to do with his paranoia.
In Jameson’s mind, Spider-Man is a nuisance who is getting in the way of the police as they try to fight crimes themselves. In his eyes, everything that Spider-Man does is just as criminal as what the actual villains do because he’s doing it extra-judiciously.
Adding a hint of irony to this is the fact that Spider-Man himself, Peter Parker, is Jameson’s photographer for the web-slinger.
There have been several iterations of the character in comics, movies, video games, and television shows. However, Simmons’ portrayal as the hot headed media personality became the marquee portrayal. Much like Samuel L Jackson, who became Nick Fury in the comics before playing the character on screen, Simmons became synonymous with Jameson.
With Simmons’ surprise cameo at the end of the second movie, however, now fans expect him back in a bigger capacity. However, should Simmons not return, many believe that McGinley could fill the shoes perfectly.
John C. McGinley stepping in?
Screen Rant posted a list of their dream cast for several Marvel characters. While Simmons owned the role, and the site admits that he’s hard to replace, McGinley might be perfect for his spin on things.
Anyone who has watched Scrubs or several other McGinley projects knows that his bread and butter is the exact type of crass, opinionated character that Simmons played so well.
This isn’t to say that McGinley is in the running for the role, however. Save for Ed Norton’sHulk, Marvel has resisted recasts after settling on a character.
For Jameson to appear in the credits of Spider-Man: Far From Home likely means that Disney and Marvel want to use him in the future. Should something happen that prevents this, however, McGinley would be a top-tier candidate.
Will Simmons come back?
Marvel actors have always been good at teasing audiences without direct confirmation of their casting or return. When Simmons was interviewed about an upcoming Blu-ray release of his hit film Whiplash with Collider, he played coy while implying that there’s very good chances that he returns to the role that defines him many fans.
“There is a distinct chance, there have been discussions, and I’m not going to say anything definitive [laughter] because I don’t know if I’m allowed to. But yes, I’m very optimistic that I’ll have some more J.J.J. in my future.”
Spider-Man appears slated for big things in the upcoming MCU movies, and getting Simmons on board to continue what he started in the Sam Raimi trilogy would be a way to appease fans both old and new.
Any other actor might seem wrong for the role that many see with Simmons in their mind. Should he be unable to play the role, however, McGinley would be a fine substitute.
