“Man of Steel” brings more to the table than just the first British Superman: it also brings the amazing Michael Shannon in the villain role, which is like the perfect casting choice considering he’s so brilliant at doing deranged / dangerous roles.
However, this isn’t why he jumped at the chance when director Zack Snyder and producer Chris Nolan approached him, Shannon tells GQ.
“Are you kidding me? No way [I could have missed it], man. I couldn’t believe it was happening. I thought it was a practical joke. I thought for sure they’d want somebody maybe a little bit more prominent,” Shannon says.
He also explains that General Zod, as much of a villain as he is, has a softer, more “sympathetic” side as well.
“Well, I don’t think I’m gonna make anybody cry. When I saw it as a kid, Terence Stamp was just stone-cold terrifying. But you’re never really sure why he’s so mad. We were trying to answer that question. You may not feel bad for me, but every once in a while, you might think, He’s kinda got a point,” Shannon says.
The film also stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, and Russell Crowe.