Justice League Casts J.K. Simmons in an Iconic Role

Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons, known for his roles in Whiplash and his voice-over work in numerous films, including Zootopia, will now take on the role of Commissioner James Gordon in the upcoming Justice League film.

Simmons will play the Gotham City police commissioner in the 2017 Justice League film, revealed by THR. Part one of the two-part movie begins filming in mid-April and will be directed by Zack Snyder. Chris Terrio wrote the screenplay, which will have heroes from across the DC cinematic universe teaming up to take on a larger threat. Simmons is no stranger to comic book adaptations having played J. Jonah Jameson in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man franchise, as well as portraying Jameson on Disney XD's Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon.

Gordon made his debut in 1939 in Detective Comics #27. Currently, the character is acting as Batman in Gotham City after Bruce Wayne's memory was wiped. Gordon has appeared on both the small and large screen numerous times, including Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, where Gary Oldman played the role. Currently, Gordon can be seen on Fox's Gotham. Ben McKenzie plays a younger James Gordon, who is new to the Gotham City Police Department.

Justice League: Part One is scheduled to come to theaters on November 17, 2017, with Part Two releasing on June 14, 2019.