J.K. Simmons Talks "Terminator: Genesis"; Calls the Script 'Very Smart'

J.K. Simmons - out at Cannes Film Festival promoting his new film, Whiplash - divulged a few details in regards to his role in next summer's Terminator: Genesis.

The always fantastic character actor stated his initial hesistance to do the picture, but was turned on to it once reading the script:

“I was leery of it when it first came my way, when my agent sent me the idea for it.  It's a small part, which they insist gets much bigger in the sequels. But I was very pleasantly surprised by the script itself."

Simmons also states how the film definitely exists within the world of the first two films - James Cameron's films - and stays true to that world created:

"This, I think, is a reimagining. They don't want to call it a sequel or a reboot. It's the world that James Cameron created with Arnold [Schwarzenegger, obviously]. All the leading characters are characters who have existed in that world – the character I play is new to it."

Simmons' character is said to be a 'tired, weary detective' who has been following the case of Sarah Connor for three decades.

The actor also chimes in on his feelings for the script and what he thinks of his co-stars:

"The script, I think, is very smart, and it's going to be a wonderful part for Arnold to do. Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke and Jai Courtney are already shooting – we did a table read a few weeks ago – and all of them are going to be great."

Finally, Simmons gives his thoughts on what to expect of director Alan Taylor (Thor: The Dark World) who is helming just his second big budget tentpole:

"Alan Taylor is a wonderful director – I got to work with him on Oz a couple of times – so I'm optimistic that this can be one of those films. Y'know, it's a big action franchise, but it's also going to be a really intelligent, entertaining, enjoyable film.”

Terminator: Genesis is due out next July 1st, 2015.

Source:  Empire