Well, if you’re wondering who will be the villain in the new Superman film, wonder no longer. Michael Shannon, of Revolutionary Road and Boardwalk Empire fame, has been cast in Zack Snyder’s Superman: Man of Steel as the one and only General Zod.
As you might know, Zod first appeared in Superman II, played by Terrence Stamp in one of the great baddie performances in comic book film history. A Kryptonian general, Zod had been vanquished the Phantom Zone after trying to overthrow Krypton’s government. He would eventually make his way to Earth and seek to take over the planet and take revenge on the son of Jor-El, his jailer. That would be, of course, Superman.
I’m not too familiar with the work of Michael Shannon. He was nominated for an Oscar for his supporting role in Revolutionary Road, but I really remember that film for the work of Leonard DiCaprio and Kate Winslett. I do like the fact that director Snyder is casting less than familiar faces for the two lead characters. I’m also guessing we may not be seeing Lex Luthor this time out.
Superman: Man of Steel is due in theatres in December 2012.
Just to internit-pick, Zod appears in Superman (1978) in the opening scene.
Guilty, guilty, guilty!
And now that I've had some time to absorb this news further, at least they made another good casting choice! Michael Shannon has a certain intensity that might lend well to General Zod as a respectably villain. Still not happy with another Zod but at least the casting was well done.