J.K. Simmons joins Gosling, Stone in 'La La Land'

Actor J.K. Simmons is returning to the world of jazz, re-teaming with "Whiplash" director Damien Chazelle in the musical film "La La Land".

Ryan Gosling is portraying a jazz pianist and Emma Stone will play an aspiring actress in the story, in which the duo fall in love, but face difficulties as they become more successful. Chazelle is directing the film from his own script, reports variety.com.

Simmons will portray a character called Boss Jessica Rothe.

Lionsgate has dated the film, which will go out under its Summit label, for July 15, 2016.

Simmons won the supporting actor Academy Award for portraying an abusive music teacher in "Whiplash", which Chazelle directed from his own script.

The actor earlier exited the "Kong: Skull Island" project. He's filmed "The Accountant" with Ben Affleck and "The Lake" with Sullivan Stapleton.