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Kneel Before Zod... For Real This Time: Michael Shannon Cast In Man Of Steel

By TK | Posted Under Trade News | Comments (15)

Michael-Shannon-21-1-11-kc.jpg

Warner Brothers has finally stopped beating around the bush, and officially announced that the villain in the upcoming Zack Snyder-directed Man Of Steel (which was also officially announced as the title) will indeed be General Zod. No huge surprises there, since for months people were under the impression that Viggo Mortensen was going to play him. There were brief moments of misdirection when we thought that the villain would be Brainiac or Metallo, but it shall indeed be the other son of Krypton. Sayeth Snyder:

“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. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

More importantly, they’ve cast the big bad as well, and Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road, “Boardwalk Empire”) will fill the shoes once worn by Terrence Stamp. Actually, I’m guessing they won’t be quite the same shoes — hopefully they’ll eschew the satiny black outfits from Superman II. I’m pleased. I admit that I still would have rather seen someone new as the villain — Metallo or Brainiac would have actually been fantastic choices (or Darkseid, but that’s pipe dreamin’) — but if it’s gonna be Zod, Shannon’s a solid choice.

Man Of Steel will star Henry Cavill has Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Ma and Pa Kent.

There. Aren’t you proud of me? I made it through this whole post without saying how little faith I have in Snyder and how, after seeing the disastrously terrible vortex of sucktastic trash that was Sucker Punch, I can’t possibly imagine this turning out well.

Oh, whoops.

Well, it’s got a better cast and Nolan as the guiding hand. That’s promising, right? RIGHT?









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Comments

I really do have zero interest in this film, I really do, but - goddamn it, the Shannon is just too fucking good. What's one Shannon-point above zero?

Posted by: zeke the pig at April 11, 2011 5:26 AM

Kneel before Zod! Lay down on your back before Zod! Now! Using your lower abdominals, raise your legs and hold on a five count before Zod! One before Zod! Two before Zod! Three before Zod!"

'BOD BY ZOD.'

If you don't recognise this, I may like you a little less today.

Posted by: Uriah Creep at April 11, 2011 6:05 AM

yes, tk, your self-control in this post was impressive. good for you! but let me be the one to say it...this will NOT be good

Posted by: splinter at April 11, 2011 6:44 AM

You know, what? I grew up with Superman comics, and I swear, I do not recall Zod being anything more than a footnote at best. He doesn't come back over and over again, he's trapped in the Phantom Zone.

Terence Stamp is the ONLY reason anyone knows the character.
~~~

Posted by: Meander at April 11, 2011 9:11 AM

There were brief moments of misdirection when we thought that the villain would be Brainiac or Metallo...

Wasn't that because Snyder stated categorically at one point that Zod would not be the villain?


and Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Ma and Pa Kent

Um, I think you have that backwards.

Posted by: csb at April 11, 2011 9:25 AM

I really really want this to be good. I'm holding out hope that Snyder's visual flair comes through, but that Nolan's presence elevates the narrative. I feel like they could pull this off. There's a wide margin for error and failure, but I'm trying to stay positive.

Posted by: Sassafrass Green at April 11, 2011 9:46 AM

Um, I think you have that backwards.
Posted by: csb at April 11, 2011 9:25 AM

God, I hope not.

Posted by: Mrs. Julien at April 11, 2011 9:49 AM

Also: is it weird that I kind of have a crush on Michael Shannon? I've seen him only in Revolutionary Road and The Runaways (where he was a creep), but... yeah. He's kinda doing it for me.

Posted by: Sassafrass Green at April 11, 2011 9:54 AM

Uriah Heap, one time during a wedding, the whole wedding party got up to do some sort of hokey dance (something with lots of instructions). I texted my friends who were sitting across the dance floor from me with "One before Zod. Two before Zod."

They nearly toppled a table laughing.

Posted by: Fredo at April 11, 2011 10:17 AM

I'm right there with ya, TK. If the villain has to be Zod, then Michael Shannon is a pretty solid choice. That said, he'd have made for an epic Brainiac, as well. And that character would also have insight into Superman that others wouldn't.

Oh, Zack Snyder... I just don't know, anymore.

Posted by: RobP at April 11, 2011 10:37 AM

Snyder by himself, it'll suck. With Nolan, it has a chance. Personally, Nolan oughta just let his little brother helm this.

In Snyder's defense, his visuals are nice, but we all know he sucks worse than a Kardashian with story/plot.

Posted by: starwarsfanman98 at April 11, 2011 12:34 PM

"I admit that I still would have rather seen someone new as the villain — Metallo or Brainiac would have actually been fantastic choices (or Darkseid, but that’s pipe dreamin’) — but if it’s gonna be Zod, Shannon’s a solid choice."

That's exactly how I feel about it, except I can't say I'm pleased. I'm disappointed because of that and having that feeling of "well, here we go again, just hope it's not another wasted opportunity". But it'll pass, I'm sure. At least this one's being carefully thought, unlike last time.

Posted by: godzilla_foil at April 11, 2011 2:34 PM

I can't see Michael Shannon as Zod. Shannon is good with creepy and weird. I don't know if he can really pull off bold and powerful.

Posted by: DeistBrawler at April 11, 2011 2:36 PM

Michael Shannon was fucking awesome in Revolutionary Road. He plays an awesome crazy person. This almost makes up for Jon Hamm getting the shaft.

Posted by: ChristianH at April 11, 2011 4:14 PM

They nearly toppled a table laughing.

Posted by: Fredo at April 11, 2011 10:17 AM

Love that story, Fredo. My niece is also a huge Robot Chicken fan and her mom (my sister) is getting remarried this summer, so I'm going to steal this idea and hopefully get her to snort wine through her nose. I have no doubt that there will be an appropriate song at some point in the evening.

Posted by: Uriah Creep at April 11, 2011 8:47 PM