Michael Shannon Discusses ‘Man Of Steel,’ General Zod
Michael Shannon recently said that General Zod won’t be portrayed as a villain in the strictest definition of the word.
Although the Boardwalk Empire star will portray Superman’s adversary in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, Shannon stated that the character won’t be as villainous as he was in Richard Lester’s Superman II.
“[General Zod] is not a villain. He’s not a villain any more than any other General fighting to protect his people. He doesn’t like to just hurt people and steal diamonds; he’s focused on being successful at his job,” Michael Shannon explained to Total Film.
Since most people are familiar with General Zod from Superman II, Shannon wants to distance himself from the way the character was portrayed in Lester’s film.
“I think the way Terrence Stamp approached it — and this isn’t any kind if criticism of his performance – there was something detached about it. Pure, hatred, rage. I think this [characterization] is more ambiguous,” Shannon added.
The latest issue of Total Film gives fans of Superman a chance to see Henry Cavill in full regalia. The cover of the publication also showcases Amy Adams as Lois Lane.
Cavill said he didn’t mind donning the Superman suit during Man of Steel.
“I loved wearing the suit! You put it on every morning and you feel fantastic. I mean, you’re wearing a Superman suit, for goodness sake!” the actor explained.
He added, “It took the team about 15 minutes each day. They struggled hard. Let’s just say we became very close!”
Judging from the trailers, Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel is a retelling of the Superman story with a more serious and grounded focus than its predecessors. This is no doubt in response to Christopher Nolan’s like-minded Batman trilogy.
In addition to Henry Cavill, Michael Shannon, and Amy Adams, the film also stars Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, Russell Crowe, Michael Kelly, Harry Lennix, and Richard Schiff.
Are you looking forward to Man of Steel? What do you think about Michael Shannon’s take on General Zod?
