No actor is more associated with a comic book character than J.K. Simmons is with J. Jonah Jameson. Simmons made a huge impression on audiences with his portrayal of the blustering and bombastic journalist in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. This is what made his surprise appearance as the character in the mid-credits of Spider-Man: Far From Home equally shocking and exciting.
J.K. Simmons confirmed that he has signed on for multiple appearances with the MCU. His contact does not mean he will return, just that Disney and Sony have the option to use him if they wish. Far From Home was not the only time Simmons reprised his role from Raimi's trilogy. He has played the character on numerous occasions in a variety of media.
13 Spider-Man (2002): the first time J.K. Simmons played J. Jonah Jameson, he made an instant impression on audiences
Spider-Man (2002) was the first live-action movie of Marvel's flagship character to hit cinemas. It kick-started a lot of positive developments for the character and genre as a whole. It was the first of Sam Raimi's trilogy which would help bring the superhero genre to the heights it is today in cinema.
The movie was the first time J.K. Simmons played J. Jonah Jameson and he made an instant impression on audiences as the character. Simmons was able to showcase Jameson's tough attitude. Despite his slight bias against Spider-Man, Jameson was a journalist and person with integrity, illustrated when he protects the identity of his photographer, Peter Parker, from the Green Goblin.
12 Spider-Man 2 (2004): J.K. Simmons gets to have more fun with J. Jonah Jameson in the sequel
Spider-Man 2 has been regarded as the best Spider-Man movie for a long time. Recent additions such as the two MCU movies and Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse have made this more a topic of debate. However, the quality of the movie cannot be understated and its influence can be seen in these other three movies.
J.K. Simmons gets to have more fun with J. Jonah Jameson in this sequel. His character has been established as a tough man and now audiences are treated to comical lines and moments from the Editor of the Bugle. One hilarious moment which unfortunately did not make the final cut saw Jameson donning the Spider-Man suit hopping on his desk and shooting imaginary webs.
11 Spider-Man 2: Video Game (2004): It is quite rare for an actor to voice their character in the game adaptation of the movie
Spider-Man 2 was a hit as a video game as much as it was as a movie. Like the movie, it was regarded as the best in its field until recently, when Marvel's Spider-Man (2017) took that accolade. The influence of Spider-Man 2 can be seen through the 2017 game. Examples include the web-swinging mechanics and the open-world environment.
It is quite rare for an actor to voice their character in the game adaptation of the movie. Which demonstrates the close connection between J.K. Simmons and J. Jonah Jameson. Although the character does not look like Simmons/Jameson — due to the graphic limitations at the time — he sounds just like him.
10 The Simpsons (2006): he gets a poem from Moe which he publishes, before demanding photos & poems of Spider-Man
The Simpsons have made a habit of parodying pop-culture for over 30 years. Spider-Man's J. Jonah Jameson would be on the receiving end of a parody in the episode "Moe'N'a Lisa." What made this parody special was J.K Simmons would reprise his role from the movies for the episode.
In the world of The Simpsons, Jameson is a poetry publisher for the American Poetry Perspectives. He was Marge's boss before he fired her after she published an article of Bart ruining an art piece. Later on, he gets a poem from Moe which he publishes, before demanding photos and poems of Spider-Man.
9 Spider-Man 3 (2007): Where other parts of the universe suffer, Jameson continues to flourish
Spider-Man 3 is considered the weakest of the trilogy. It suffered from studio interference, which created an overcrowded movie in terms of characters and plot. It seemed to stop Raimi's franchise from developing, despite there being plans for a fourth movie, to the point that Raimi was working on the concept of what it would look like.
What remains consistent in this movie is J. Jonah Jameson. Where other parts of the universe suffer, Jameson continues to flourish in more humorous scenes, including one from the final moments of the movie where he has to make a deal with a little girl for her disposable camera and become a photographer for his paper.
8 Spider-Man 3: Video Game (2007): This time around, not only does the character sound like Simmons but looks like him too
Spider-Man 3 is an example of a rare occasion where the video game was better than the movie it was based on. It had all the best elements from the previous game and allowed players to explore the story of the movie in more detail and with less difficulty than the movie.
J.K. Simmons returns to voice Jameson in the game. This time around, not only does the character sound like Simmons but looks like him too. The greater detail this game was able to achieve thanks to improved graphics benefited the character. Moments with him were able to represent the cartoon nature of the character.
7 The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2012): J.K. Simmons would reprise his role as J. Jonah Jameson in the episode "Along Came a Spider"
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes was an immediate hit with comic fans. It is still considered one of the best-animated shows from Marvel, especially when it comes to the Avengers. It was replaced by Avengers Assemble in 2013. After the success of The Avengers movie, an easier accessible show was needed for the new fan base.
It is uncommon for movie actors to portray their live-action character in animation as well, especially in a show which is not directly linked to the movie. Nevertheless, J.K. Simmons would reprise his role as J. Jonah Jameson in the episode "Along Came a Spider." In the episode, Jameson brands Captain America as a traitor. Despite clearing Cap's name from traitor to hero, Jameson keeps his grudge with Spider-Man, branding him a menace.
6 Ultimate Spider-Man (2012-2015): Jameson would be a reoccurring character, mostly antagonizing Spider-Man on billboards in the background of scenes
Ultimate Spider-Man was the first attempt at an animated Spider-Man show from Disney. Inspired by the highly successful comic line with the same name which started the Ultimate universe. Similarly, this show started Disney's version of a Marvel Animated Universe.
By the time of the show's release, J.K. Simmons had established himself as a voice actor as well as a live-action actor. This made him an ideal fit for J. Jonah Jameson, as his two worlds were brought together. Jameson would be a reoccurring character, mostly antagonizing Spider-Man on billboards in the background of scenes.
5 Avengers Assemble (2013-2015): he appears frequently, establishing the connection between the Ultimate Spider-Man & Avengers Assemble
Avengers Assemble was the second show from Disney's animated universe and the replacement for The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The timing of its release fit perfectly with the buzz from the MCU's Avengers.
There is much debate as to which animated version of The Avengers is greater. However, what the two shows share is J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson. In this version he appears more frequently, establishing the connection between the Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers Assemble.
4 Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload (2013): If you thought J.K. Simmons Jameson was hilarious before, just wait until you see his Lego counterpart
Lego has gone beyond dominating the toy world. They have stepped into the movie and TV industry in recent years. Usually parodying pop and toy culture. Most notably with their cinematic release of The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie. Other intellectual properties have felt Lego's influence too, Marvel included.
Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload is a TV mini-series with iconic Marvel heroes and villains in Lego form. Filled with high jinks and parody, this is a very lighthearted version of the universe. If you thought J.K. Simmons Jameson was hilarious before, just wait until you see his Lego counterpart, he takes the humor to the next level.
3 Hulk & The Agents Of S.M.A.S.H. (2014-2015): His most intriguing appearance came in "Days of Future Smash, Part 3 - Dracula," where he appeared as a vampire in an alternate timeline
Hulk Agents of S.M.A.S.H. was Disney's attempt at an animated Hulk show. S.M.A.S.H. stands for Supreme Military Agency of Super Humans, and it was a team lead by Hulk, composed of gamma-powered superhumans. They would deal with issues only suitable for heroes like The Hulk.
J.K. Simmon's J. Jonah Jameson would appear now and then on the show to illustrate the connection between Disney's Marvel animated show. His most intriguing appearance came in "Days of Future Smash, Part 3 - Dracula," where he appeared as a vampire in an alternate timeline.
2 Robot Chicken (2018): Simmons depicted a parody version of J. Jonah Jameson
Robot Chicken is an adult animated stop-motion sketch comedy show. Like The Simpson, the show has produced many parodies of pop-culture in its 15 plus years. The show often features recognizable guest stars, who either parody one of their well-known performances or play a new character altogether.
J.K. Simmons has been on multiple episodes of Robot Chicken, as several characters, including Master Chief from the Halo series. In episode 14 of season 9 from 2018, titled "Gimme That Chocolate Milk," Simmons depicted a parody version of J. Jonah Jameson.
1 Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019): J.K. Simmons returning as the MCU's J. Jonah Jameson sets up perfectly what is to come next
Spider-Man: Far From Home had a whole lot of pressure and anticipation leading up to its release. The movie had to follow Spider-Man Homecoming as a sequel for the character, as well as come after Avengers: Endgame to complete not only phase 3 of the MCU but the Infinity Saga.
This is why those involved brought everything they could to the movie. A spectacular story, compelling characters, and shocking credit scenes. All these elements built on what came before and set up perfectly what is to come next. J.K. Simmons returning as the MCU's J. Jonah Jameson was a prime example of this. This version has been reimagined as an Alex Jones-style video blogger who has already caused big trouble for Peter Parker/Spider-Man.