A Random "Spider-Man" Fan Told J.K. Simmons He'd Been Cast In The Movie Before His Agent Even Knew, And The Story Is Wild

There's no denying that one of the best parts of Sam Raimi's original (and iconic) Spider-Man trilogy was J.K. Simmons as Daily Bugle editor-in-chief and "PICTURES OF SPIDER-MAN" demander J. Jonah Jameson.

J.K. as Jameson leaning against a doorframe next to a poster of the Daily Bugle
Columbia Pictures / ? Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

In fact, the actor's portrayal of the character was so beloved by fans, they didn't even bother trying to recast the character when it came time for him to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe — leading to one of the best surprise cameos in recent memory at the end of 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home.

J. Jonah Jameson on a digital billboard
Marvel Studios

Well, in a recent interview with the Ringer, J.K. shared the absolutely bonkers story of how he found out he'd been cast in the original 2002 version, courtesy of a random Spider-Man stan.

J.K. wearing a suit and a fedora at the premiere of Spider-Man Far From Home
Gregg Deguire / WireImage / Getty Images

"This was 21 years ago, I think, and I was at a voiceover audition at Grey Advertising doing that thing that journeyman actors do a lot — doing a gig here, doing a gig there, auditioning for this and that," J.K. said.

J.K. standing and posing with one hand on hip and the other in the air
Columbia Pictures / ? Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

"And I'm walking, following the person through the cubicles, and this desk chair comes flying out in front of me, backwards, with some kid who was probably 28."

A smiling J.K. sitting, wearing a cap, and holding a microphone
Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

"And he goes, 'Oh my god, J.K., congratulations!' and I go, 'Thank you...for what?'" the actor continued. "And he goes, 'Are you kidding me? Spider-Man! J. Jonah Jameson, that’s so cool!'"

J.K. sitting and smoking a cigar
Columbia Pictures / ? Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

"And I was like, 'I did not know that.' I found out I got the part because of some kid who was so connected to, you know, the internet and fan sites that they had that information on a Spider-Man website before my agent called me to tell me I got the job!"

J.K. smiling
Vince Bucci / Getty Images

"[My agent] called me like three hours later," he concluded. "And I was like, 'Yeah...I know.'"

J.K. with a mustache and a corded phone to his ear
Columbia Pictures / ? Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

Will J. Jonah Jameson make an appearance in the many multiverses of Spider-Man: No Way Home? If so, what sort of hijinks do you think the eccentric newspaper publisher will get up to now?! Guess we'll just have to wait until Dec. 17 to find out!

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H/T: The Ringer.