After months of speculation about just who Superman would do battle with in the upcoming Superman: Man of Steel, Zack Snyder and company have cast Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon as the villainous Kryptonian, General Zod. Michael was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 2009 for his role of a mentally disturbed man in the Sam Mendes drama, Revolutionary Road. He currently stars in HBO's acclaimed series, Boardwalk Empire as the zealous federal agent Nelson Van Alden.
The last time General Zod and Superman squared off on screen was in 1980's Superman II. Played to malicious perfection by Terence Stamp, Zod and his Kryptonian cohorts attempted to conquer Earth. They were inadvertently freed from their Phantom Zone prison by Superman, when he released a nuclear explosion in space. In a statement to Deadline, Snyder said "Zod is not only one of Superman's most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don't. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role."
What do you think of the choice of villain and of Michael Shannon?
12 comments:
i don't remember seeing either of these guys on screen. maybe i should catch the series to at least know one of them. :)
I reckon Michael Shannon would make a great villain. He has the talent, the skills... and the face of a villain, so why wouldn't he? :)
I've never heard of Shannon before this weekend, and he was nominated for an Oscar? I think this film needed someone well known as the villain. Shannon is no Viggo, for sure.
Michael Shannon is a good actor, he'll be a cool Zod. I'm also interested in how they'll portray this character.
Interesting story, Mel!
This guy can effortlessly inherit the villain role. I'm really into Boardwalk Empire, which has increased my exposure to his acting.
And I must say, even though he plays a guy on the right side of the law, his character just exudes that creepy, sinister characteristic that I can't quite put my finger on (though, one episode, in particular, gives away this quality). In other words, he's perfect for The Man of Steel!
I still can't believe they are rebooting the series yet again, so nothing else can surprise me now.
@levian Boardwalk Empire is a great series about Prohibition in the US back in the 20's. I think you would enjoy it.
@Nebular George, you're right. Shannon certainly looks villainous at times. He is very talented.
@Dez I, too, am disappointed we won't be seeing Viggo as Zod. Michael is one of those guys whom many people don't know. I think he's pretty good.
@Jaccstev I can't wait to see what they do with this character, either. Should be exciting.
@Matt Thanks! Shannon does give off that menacing vibe in Boardwalk. I thought he was incredible in Revolutionary Road. His chemistry with Kate Winslet was amazing. I agree, perfect for Superman.
@Alex So many reboots, so little time. It seems like every other week there is a new one, doesn't it?
I think Michael Shannon has the look for sure. It could work very well.
Shannon has the look definatly but I was hoping for viggo like many others were I guess, could surprise us all however.
@Tony I definitely think Michael as got the chops to make it work.
@Christian Hey there! I was disappointed about Viggo as well, but I think you'll be surprised by Michael.
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