Actor J.K. Simmons has played many comic book characters in his career. Apart from being the one true and only iteration of J Jonah Jameson in the Spider-Man films, Simmons has also been lauded for his performance as Nolan Grayson a.k.a Omni-Man in the Amazon Prime Video series Invincible.
While the popular animated series is currently airing its second season, a film based on the comics by Robert Kirkman is reportedly still in the works. Many fans have campaigned for Jon Hamm and Joe Manganiello to play the role of the Viltruimite but J.K. Simmons had two other actors in mind for the role of Omni-Man.
Why Doesn’t J.K. Simmons Want To Play Omni-Man?
Actor J.K. Simmons’ distinctive authoritarian voice perfectly fits the anti-hero Omni-Man in the Amazon Prime Video series Invincible. Playing the role of the Viltrumite father who has come to Earth to colonize it, Simmons brings in vulnerability and the menacing power of the superhero with amazing strength and abilities.
The animated series has been gaining popularity ever since it debuted in 2021 and has a considerable fanbase. While the series was originally intended to be a live-action film, producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg ultimately decided to proceed with the animated version. The film, however, is reportedly still in the works, with comic book creator Robert Kirkman telling ComicBook.com,
“We’re very much still working on that. Sometimes movies take a little bit longer. I think it’s safe to say, if anything, the show has just helped that immensely. People are very excited about that movie potential at Universal. So we’re riding that excitement and trying to push things forward as quickly as possible.”
Despite all the praise and acclaim the show has been getting, J.K. Simmons mentioned that he would not want to star in a live-action version of the comics. He said to ComicBook.com in an interview while he was promoting the second part of season 2 of Invincible, which began airing on March 15,
“Absolutely not. I don’t think Omni Man should be played by a 69-year-old. I mean, again, as far as I know, it’s only rumors. It’s only rumblings that a live-action film would even happen.”
The Whiplash actor went on to say that he would be up for a cameo but he would not be able to pull off the lead character due to his age. Similar concerns were raised by Steven Yeun, who voices the titular Invincible a.k.a Mark Grayson. In an interview with Screenrant, Yeun mentioned that he was forty and that Mark should be played by a younger actor.
J.K. Simmons Chooses Marvel Stars Over Jon Hamm And Joe Manganiello
When Robert Kirkman mentioned that a live-action Invincible was in the works, many fans took to social media to speculate who would be perfect to play various roles in the film. One of the most popular choices to play Omni-Man in live-action was Mad Men star Jon Hamm. The actor has played sinister characters before and has also never appeared in any other comic book film. His recent appearance in Fargo drew a lot of praise.
Another actor who has been a popular choice is Joe Manganiello. The Magic Mike star was once cast as Slade Wilson a.k.a Deathstroke in the ill-fated DCEU. He also made an appearance in the post-credits scene of both the theatrical Justice League and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Many fans mentioned that Manganiello could pull off the aging hero in a splendid way.
“They killed the hype”: Fans Blame One Big Blunder For the Downfall of Invincible After Its Season 2
However, Invincible’s Omni-Man J.K. Simmons seems to have other choices. Talking to ComicBook.com, Simmons mentioned that he would not be able to take on the role due to his old age but he would like to see a buff guy play the role of Nolan Grayson. He said,
“Yeah, I don’t know. I mean, the first two guys I’m thinking of are Ryan Reynolds and… I mean, you’re thinking of the buff guy… Here’s who needs to play Omni Man… Hugh Jackman.”
Both Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds will be making their MCU debut in the upcoming film Deadpool and Wolverine. Reynolds has played Deadpool since 2016’s Deadpool and has featured in its sequel, both of which were part of Fox Studios’ X-Men franchise. Jackman’s iconic portrayal of Wolverine had its end in Logan, but the actor would be coming out of retirement from the role and starring in the upcoming film.
