The DC Extended Universe hasn't wasted anytime delving into the Batman mythology. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice introduced Bruce Wayne and his trusty butler Alfred Pennyworth, Suicide Squad saw The Joker, Harley Quinn, Deadshot and Killer Croc getting into crazy shenanigans, and this November, audiences will meet J.K. Simmons' Commissioner James Gordon in Justice League. While Gordon has been an integral figure of the Bat-verse since the very beginning (i.e. 1939's Detective Comics #27), Simmons wants to make it clear to fans that they shouldn't expect to see that much of him in the superhero team-up tale later this year.
While chatting with Screen Crush about his new movie All Nighter, J.K. Simmons mentioned that his screen time in Justice League will be minimal, but he's hoping the role will expand in future DCEU installments. In his words:
My part in the first film coming out this fall is very, very small. It's a little introduction of the character. But whenever the next one gets off the ground, whether it's The Batman movie or the Justice League sequel, and I know those things are getting shuffled around right now ... we thought we might be getting to work pretty soon on The Batman, but we'll see what the future brings. Hopefully that'll be another comic-book character that I get to take two or three or four cracks at.
Let's put J.K. Simmons' mind at ease right now. Whenever the solo Batman movie finishes its transitional period and begins production, it's practically guaranteed that Commissioner Gordon will be involved, likely in a more prominent way. Even with the rumored script changes the movie is dealing with, Gordon is one of the few Batman characters that can be dropped in almost any Dark Knight-centric tale. If a significant portion of the Batman movie takes place in Gotham City and will see the main protagonist battling colorful criminals, then you can bet that eventually he'll meet with the head of the Gotham City Police Department. As for Simmons appearing in Justice League 2, that's not nearly as sure a thing, but no doubt he'd be welcome.
Warning: minor spoilers for Justice League are ahead!
Last year when select press outlets (including CinemaBlend) visited the Justice League production in London, one of the scenes being shot was of Commissioner Gordon meeting with Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash and Cyborg on the GCPD rooftop, talking about scientists who have been kidnapped. If Simmons' part in the movie is so small, it's possible this scene may be all we see of him. Given the other corners of the DC universe Justice League plans to touch on, from Atlantis to Apokolips (via Steppenwolf), it was to be expected we wouldn't spend a lot of time with Gordon, but if Simmons' performance is well received, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see him again in another movie with an expanded role.
Justice League hits theaters on November 17.
