J.K. Simmons Interview: Palm Springs | Screen Rant
Palm Springs revolves around the meeting - or several meetings - of Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti). The two strangers find themselves trapped in a time loop and unable to escape the venue or each other, yet the results are more romcom than sci-fi or thriller.
The leads are buoyed by a stellar supporting cast, including J.K. Simmons as the wise Roy, who has more than his fair share of advice to give. In advance of the film’s July 10th Hulu premiere, Simmons spoke with Screen Rant about why he took the role and what to expect from his character.
This movie is a fun sci-fi concept at its core. What piqued your interest about the project?
J.K. Simmons: Well, when Andy asked me to take a look at the script, I was already predisposed to like it because I like Andy and we'd had a fun time working together before. So, that was the open door. And then when I read the script, I was like, "Oh, man, this is so funny and fun and clever and multilayered." And then in the final version, which I finally saw last week, it really pays off on all those levels. And despite all the wackiness and hilarity, I found myself really caring about Nyles and Sarah and these characters.
Andy Samberg is known for being really quick. Can you talk to me about any improv moments on set?
J.K. Simmons: Well, yeah. That was part of the fun for sure; that there was this really, really good, solid, funny script on paper and relationships that were well laid out. So, it gave us the opportunity to improv around that and director [Max Barbakow] was confident enough to let that happen and use some of it. I don't know, I guess in the finished film, maybe 10% of it is goofing around; stuff that was never on the page. And Andy is just brilliant at that, and so in the moment, we did have a lot of fun just riffing and goofing around.
Roy manages to offer some sage advice to Nyles. What's Roy's background and why do you think he's so knowledgeable?
J.K. Simmons: Well, with age comes wisdom. At least that's what I tell my kids; I don't know if I believe it or not. But yeah, he's definitely a man of experience. I'm trying to think of ways to say this without giving away too many spoilers, so I'm just gonna stop and shut up and say watch the movie because it's fun.
Switching gears for a quick second, you played Commissioner Gordon in Zack Snyder's Justice League and the Synder Cut is a thing. Do you plan on reprising your role as Gordon, whether it be your voice or in any other way for the Snyder Cut?
J.K. Simmons: Well, the Snyder cut is happening now at long last, as DC fans know. I'm excited that I'm a part of it. As far as I know, I've already done everything I have to do to be a part of Zack's cut, which is to tell Zack, "Yes, I want to be a part of your cut."
If there's additional dialogue recording or additional shooting or whatever, I'd be happy to do it.
Last question, and this might get a little spoiler territory for us. How many reboots do you think Roy has before he comes to terms with the situation?
J.K. Simmons: Yeah. I think it's one of those thing - again, not unlike life. Here we are this kind of rebooting everyday situation, a lot of us. And I think you come to terms with it at kind of a level at a time, so I'm not gonna put a number on it. I don't know, infinity? Is that a number?