When we talk about perfect casting choices -- even outside the realm of superhero movies -- J.K. Simmons as The Daily Bugle head honcho J. Jonah Jameson in "Spider-Man" has to be right up there with the best of the best. Simmons so perfectly encapsulated the role that he has, essentially, been kept on as just about every version of the character throughout the Marvel multiverse, as evidenced by "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." But before Simmons signed on for the role, he was seen as perfect for another, very different role in Spidey's rogues gallery.

In the most recent issue of Empire Magazine, the Oscar-winning actor reflected upon the early days of his time in the Marvel universe when he was only just hearing that Sam Raimi was going to direct "Spider-Man." At the time, he was shooting another Raimi film, "The Gift," and it was suggested...