Arnold Schwarzenegger’s daughter, Katherine, was impressed with J.K. Simmons’ jacked physique on the set of The Tomorrow War. Amazon Prime’s most-streamed sci-fi movie of the summer follows Chris Pratt’s Dan Forester, an ex-Green Beret and current biology teacher who is drafted in a war taking place thirty years in the future. In 2051, aliens called “Whitespikes” have decimated the world’s population; leaving mankind to turn to the ancestors for help. The film sees Pratt continuing his tenure as a full-fledged action hero, upstaged only by Simmons’ (66) physique when we meet his character, Slade Mitchell.
In The Tomorrow War, Simmons plays Dan’s estranged father who’s a Vietnam veteran and mechanical engineer. Early on in the film, Dan visits his father for helping to remove his draft band; however, he ultimately leaves without having the band removed due to an argument over Slade’s negligent past—the theme of family and parenthood echoing throughout the film. Simmons isn’t seen again until The Tomorrow War’s final act where he takes full advantage of being jacked and becomes an action hero himself. Back in 2016, a picture of Simmons working out at the gym went viral, which The Tomorrow War’s director, Chris McKay, saw before reaching out about playing Pratt’s father. While Simmons’ acting chops were the main casting draw, his arms certainly made an impact.
According to USA Today, Simmons’ jacked physique was all the talk on The Tomorrow War’s set. "It was unbelievable," said Pratt. "I was like, is that even possible? He's got prison muscles.” Apparently, Pratt’s wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, concurred, saying "Oh, my God, J.K. Simmons is jacked." Simmons had an amusing response:
“That's all I need from Arnold's daughter.”
Former professional bodybuilder/Mr. Universe, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is one of the biggest action stars of all time. Suffice to say, Katherine knows what it means to be jacked. Turns out, Simmons fished for compliments from the man himself back when the pair worked together on 2015’s Terminator Genisys; showing Schwarzenegger pictures of himself in 2014’s Whiplash and asking, "How about those biceps?" Schwarzenegger told him his biceps were OK and that his triceps were more impressive—something Simmons says he’ll take to his grave. Suffice to say, Simmons has remedied his less-than-impressive biceps.
When fans first saw photos of jacked Simmons back in 2016, many thought it had something to do with his role as Commissioner Gordon in the DC Extended Universe. However, Simmons, like Schwarzenegger and his iconic frenemy, Sylvester Stallone, is merely staving off father time. While Simmons has never necessarily been out of shape, who would’ve thought he could be grouped with those two? None of the actor’s upcoming roles necessarily require such a formidable build so it’ll be interesting to see if he sticks with his workout routine. Irrespective of The Tomorrow War’s critical reception, Simmons is a standout; contributing to some of the film’s funniest and most action-packed moments.
Source: USA Today