After a lot of speculation about who would play the villain in Zack Snyder’s upcoming Superman movie (now officially titled Man of Steel), the role has been cast and Michael Shannon will be stepping into the role of the evil Kryptonian, General Zod.
As Zod, Shannon will go toe-to-toe with Henry Cavill, who plays the new Clark Kent/Superman in the film. The main cast also includes Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent. It’s something we haven’t seen from Shannon before, who normally gets cast in quieter roles that play on the fact he’s very good at looking like he might explode at any second. While Viggo Mortensen, who was previously circling the role, certainly had the look of the character captured by Terrence Stamp in Superman II, Shannon’s a very interesting choice and should make Zod more unpredicable.
Snyder says, Zod is not only one of Supermans most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others dont. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.
It’s an interesting comment, suggesting David S. Goyer’s script will play on what separates Superman from the humans he lives among and desperately wants to be like. However Zod showing up – the exiled General, who because he’s from Krypton has similar powers to Superman – is likely to throw a spanner in that.
Man Of Steel should hit cinemas December 2012.