J.K. Simmons Reteams With 'Whiplash' Director Damien Chazelle For 'La La Land' With Ryan Gosling And Emma Stone

WhiplashWith an Oscar on his mantle thanks to Damien Chazelle giving him the role of a lifetime in "Whiplash," J.K. Simmons no doubt owes the filmmaker a debt of gratitude…and vice versa. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine Chazelle’s breakout film with anyone other than Simmons delivering the ferocious, villainous turn in the picture. And the pair are set to make more fireworks.

THR reports that Simmons has joined "La La Land," Chazelle’s next film which is now shooting, and has Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in the lead roles. The modern musical, which was originally going to star Emma Watson and Miles Teller, has previously been described as a cross between "The Graduate" and "Boogie Nights," following a young couple—actress, Mia and jazz pianist, Sebastian—who try to keep their relationship together in a city of cutthroat careerism.

READ MORE: Watch: Original Short Film Version Of ‘Whiplash’ Starring Oscar Winners J.K. Simmons 

Summit believes this one has the stuff to be a blockbuster hit, slating the picture to hit theaters right in the middle of summer on July 15, 2016.