J.K. Simmons Calls Terminator: Genesis “Really Smart And Fun”

Back in March, J.K. Simmons jumped on board Alan Taylor’s Terminator: Genesis, which started production last month. Details about the high-profile sequel/reboot/re-launch of the beloved property have been kept under wraps, though we recently heard that it will connect to the original film through some clever time travel magic.

In Terminator: Genesis, Simmons will play a “weary and alcoholic detective who has followed a bizarre case involving Sarah Connor and robots for more than three decades.” When asked about his role in a new interview with Total Film, he said:

“I can tease very little but the character I play is a small role that I’m told becomes larger in the sequels, which are planned of course.”

Like many fans, Simmons himself was a little bit skeptical about a new Terminator. However, he was convinced to sign the dotted line once he read the script and saw who Taylor had cast in the major roles:

“When it was initially sent to me I was interested but a little sceptical about the project itself. And I read the script and it’s a wonderful script – it’s really smart and it has comedy, and obviously brilliant action and the sci-fi aspect of it, which is not a genre I’ve really been involved in before.

But it’s good storytelling and a fun little part. There’s Arnold, and Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke and Jai Courtney who play the characters who have existed in the world before. Then the character I play is a new character to this universe.

I went out to New Orleans a few weeks ago for pre-production, and I had a table read and it was very affirming that these actors and this script were really smart and fun and good.”

As someone who’s been a bit hesitant about the prospect of another Terminator installment, Simmons’ comments are a huge sigh of relief. Of course, he doesn’t offer many details or concrete information, but a smart, funny and enjoyable entry in the franchise is exactly what we need right now.

Terminator: Genesis arrives in theaters on July 1st, 2015. Are you excited for the film, or do you also have some doubts? Sound off below!