14 DAY TRIAL // More stars are being attached to Zack Snyder’s “Superman: Man of Steel.” With the latest addition, fans also get an important scoop on the film, in that it will feature General Zod, one of the best known villains in the Superman universe.
Michael Shannon will take on the part – and buzz online has it no better man could have been brought in for the job.
The Hollywood Reporter confirms the excellent news. Director Snyder is also thrilled about the casting choice.
“Warners Bros. announced Sunday that Shannon, who received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor for Revolutionary Road for his performance as a mentally-troubled man and who has also been seen as a stern federal agent in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, has been cast as Superman’s nemesis,” THR says.
Snyder says no other man could have done the role of Zod as good as Shannon.
“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,” the director explains.
“Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role,” Snyder adds.
As noted above, Shannon, for those who are not familiar with his work, recently got an Oscar nomination for his brief but incredibly intense role in “Revolutionary Road” with Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
He’s known for his nearly chameleonic ability to make himself into the character he’s playing: and he does bad guys brilliantly.
Because of this, he’s an excellent choice for Zod because he can bring depth and complexity to the role, which, in all fairness, needs to be done justice in the film.
“Zod, like Superman, is from Krypton, where he commanded its armed forces. The character appeared in both 1978’s Superman and its 1980 sequel Superman II, where he was played by actor Terence Stamp,” THR also says.
In Snyder’s “Superman,” Henry Cavill will play the Man of Steel, while Lois Lane will be portrayed by Amy Adams. Diane Lane and Kevin Costner are Martha and Jonathan Kent, Clark Kent’s adoptive parents.