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Michael Shannon Cast as General Zod in Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel'
by Alex Billington
April 10, 2011
Kneel before Zod! Continuing their tradition of announcing casting on Sundays, Warner Bros has officially confirmed that Michael Shannon (seen right above) will star as General Zod in director Zack Snyder's new Superman film, now titled Man of Steel. Either they're being crafty removing "Superman" from the title and relying solely or marketing, or they're in big trouble, but I have a feeling it's the former. Snyder states, "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." Now that I totally agree with!
In Zack Snyder's Superman, as General Zod, Shannon will go toe-to-toe with Henry Cavill, who plays the new Clark Kent/Superman. The main cast also includes Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent. I keep hearing rumors of Viggo Mortensen being in the running for a key role, but we're not sure about that yet. I guess we'll have to wait until next Sunday. Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film. The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan. Man of Steel is scheduled for release in late December 2012. General Zod is one of Superman's most popular villains and Terence Stamp kicked ass as Zod in Richard Donner's Superman I and II. Great Superman cast so far?
51 Comments
1
this could be good
A5J4DX on Nov 13, 2018
2
this could be good
A5J4DX on Nov 13, 2018
3
Oh what's the point of me moaning and groaning over seeing Zod again. Why should I when everyone else will do it for me. :p
John on Apr 10, 2011
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Alex, you should have mention Michael was nominated for an Oscar for Revolutionary Road. He's a high caliber actor, and I respect this choice. Zod was played like a baffoon in Superman 2 (Although, the Richard Donner cut felt different--More malicious, but I could have been reading too hard into it). Shannon's Zod will be cold, calculating, and evil as sin. Great casting choice.
Modern American Man on Apr 11, 2011
6
PR shills shouldn't be trying to tell Alex what to write on his own damn site. His article was plenty praiseworthy enough. He doesn't need to bootlick to the shill's liking.
Mandy on Apr 11, 2011
7
I applaud you for sticking up for Alex, even though it wasn't necessary and my comment was neither obnoxious nor slanderous towards Alex in any way. I was essentially adding a comment as many others do. Here's a suggestion for you, if you can handle it: Being a jackass on the internet doesn't make you tough. It makes you unoriginal. Welcome to being just like most people. I hope you enjoy this ride.
Modern American Man on Apr 11, 2011
8
Well said, I thought your comment added to the article very nicely.
McWilly on Apr 12, 2011
9
At least one of the villains won't be another kryptonite island
Chris A. on Apr 10, 2011
11
Dont think I can shake him being agent Van Buren from Boardwalk Empire. Havent seen him in much else besides smaller roles.
Cody W. on Apr 10, 2011
13
Let's start a campaign for Shannon as Bizarro - if too many people start thinking that's who he'll be playing, WB will have to abide.
Louis Plamondon on Apr 10, 2011
14
He was so intense in Boardwalk Empire. Haven't seen him in other things, but as long as he can yell without sounding like he's got marbles in his mouth, I think he'd nail the intensity of the character.
SNEARS on Apr 10, 2011
15
Shannon is a good actor but when i heard that Vigo Mortensen was in line to play Zod i thought he was perfect for the role (and looks great with a beard!).
vegasdanny on Apr 10, 2011
17
Mortensen > Shannon
Martinaso on Apr 10, 2011
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This movie is slowly degrading in quality.... WHY would they choose ZOD out of everyone..... people need to understand Superman's character and no villain portrays this better than Lex Luthor (and no, im not talking about being an evil real estate agent). Although I personally don't agree with choosing Zod as the villain, there is potential quality here. Superman is the absolute hero to be admired because as the most powerful being on earth who can enslave humanity easily if he wanted to, he chooses to serve them. Even during a comic run when Batman got all of superman's powers, he became drunk with power and became ruthless in his actions. Zod could be perfect at showing this part because he too has all the powers and will obviously abuse them. Also by casting Zod, people can see that its not the powers that make Superman "super" but his sheer willpower in maintaining justice and peace and hope that his actions may influence others to do the same. If Snyder can do this well, perhaps people will finally understand Superman beyond the clumsy idiot who secretly has powers.
Noct on Apr 11, 2011
20
Zod = Zzzzzz Sorry
Nope on Apr 11, 2011
21
Shannon as Zod? Hell yeah.
Anonymous on Apr 11, 2011
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Agree Cred X....Mr. Shannon is just amazing. His take on Kim Fowley was bloody spot on. ( Got to meet and work with Kim in the early 80's.) Shannon nailed it. His work gets more defined. Brilliant on "Boardwalk Empire." I hope this makes him a household name so to speak.
Anonymous on Apr 11, 2011
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I hope this movie doesn't make him a joke. It's the first time the public at large will be introduced to him. If Snyder makes him look like a joke, it'll take him a long time to recover.
Pray4him on Apr 12, 2011
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For me its not so much the casting but the choice of Zod to begin with...between Stamp's over the top (albeit awesome) version and Blue's weak arse 'Dracula' version which made me wanna punch my tv every time I saw him. Like Snyder, I really do and I hope I'm really wrong about this, but my hope that this will succeed is waning.
DwainIBe on Apr 11, 2011
25
Yes, hopes are circling down the drain. And I am one of the few willing to admit I like Snyder. But everything else about this movie sounds like a misfire.
Sigh on Apr 11, 2011
26
don't think he gives interesting characterizations or performances...would have liked Mortensen
Vito on Apr 11, 2011
27
maybe i read the post wrong, but you think they are in big trouble? why?
ron on Apr 11, 2011
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Anonymous on Apr 11, 2011
29
I'd like to think Viggo would end up in the role of General Sam Lane or Lex... hopefully this is the beginning of a trilogy so this shuts up fanboys who aren't getting their way with the first film... I'd love to see Brainiac or Doomsday but if they're making this more grounded those two could be saved for sequels..
Christopher M (C&CB) on Apr 11, 2011
30
I like this choice! Shannon is an excellent actor, if you haven't seem Bug, then you need to rent it immediately! I can't wait to see him as Richard The Iceman Kuklinski either!
jah p on Apr 11, 2011
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Great casting! 'nuff said!
LMA on Apr 11, 2011
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Zod is quickly becoming the most overused villain. With this being the 6th theatrical Superman film, couldn't they have come up with at least 1 new villain this time? Zod will now have appeared in half of the Superman films. I hope Snyder, Goyer and Nolan have at least 1 new villain in this as well. They keep talking about separating this from the past movies, and bringing Superman into the new millenium, and they use Zod for the 3rd time (4th if you include the alternate Superman 2.)
Drejhead on Apr 11, 2011
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Too bad Zod isn't very grounded then. He's ridiculous. Even Brainiac is less ridiculous. Parasite is less ridiculous. Lex in his Iron Man suit is less ridiculous. Giant robots are less ridiculous. You want grounded? The military creates giant robots that gain consciousness. Superman fights them. That is a hell of a lot more grounded than anything involving the boring Zod.
Get real on Apr 11, 2011
34
So maybe Viggo Mortensen is going to be Jor-El?
Warren Carroll on Apr 11, 2011
35
Who would care? I mean this sincerely. The part is a glorified extra. It is a "pop-up, wave, then disappear" role.
Snooze on Apr 11, 2011
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Still a pretty important role though, I mean they got marlon brando to play it in the original and its not like he was a nobody. Plus he could still pop back up in holgraphic form in the fortress. If they're doing Zod, there might also be more scenes on Krypton, showing the relationship between Jor-El and Zod too.
Warren Carroll on Apr 11, 2011
38
WB just keeps making poor choices with their Superman franchise. I'm so glad the rights are going back to the estate of the creators.
Rpin on Apr 11, 2011
39
Agreed. The decision making is just fail, upon fail, upon fail, both in the comic books and in the movies. I will be so happy when somebody else (as in non-retarded) take over Superman.
Happy day on Apr 11, 2011
40
As a Superman fan I am not happy about Zod being in the film. He has already been done already. Snyder and Co really need to focus on villians that have never been done before like Brainiac, Metallo and Doomsday. Also after seeing Sucker Punch I am really starting to worry about how this film will turn out. Sucker Punch was absolute crap. Snyder in my opionion is the wrong director making Man Of Steel. I wish Chris Nolan was directing it instead.
Last Son on Apr 11, 2011
41
This. And you know the sequel will star Lex. If this movie doesn't completely bomb, which it may. Lex. Zod. Lex. Zod. Lex. Zod. Same boring song. Table this train wreck until Nolan is free to direct it himself.
Joan on Apr 11, 2011
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can you blame them for casting safe? the average movie goer is well kinda slow.
Anonymous on Apr 11, 2011
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"You know, I know this steak doesn't exist. I know that when I put it in my mouth, the Matrix is telling my brain that it is juicy and delicious. After nine years, you know what I realize? Ignorance is bliss"
McWilly on Apr 12, 2011
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Snyder is a genius, Watchmen is a masterpiece and Sucker punch a social commentary on how twisted and limited males are.
Loser on Apr 11, 2011
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"Sucker punch a social commentary on how twisted and limited males are." Misandric much? Women say Sucker Punch too.
Anonymous on Apr 11, 2011
46
I'll never understand how you people actually saw a movie that even has start filming.... Your level of critiscism is far way superior than mine. HAIL you fanboys.
Manuel on Apr 11, 2011
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OH NO! Does this means its going to look like a music video with remakes of pop radio rhino catalog classics shot like a video game??? well..I guess maybe thats what this franchise needs right now? it cant be as dark as dark knight its not the same character or struggle..but damn..it cant just be another video game musical! i mean, I get it..suckerpunch is perfect for a certain high paying demographic..but sigh.... all that aside, shannon is a bad ass and a great villain.
Lando on Apr 11, 2011
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Yes Sucker Punch may have been reviled as garbage by critics and audiences, but it was an effective use of green screen. Superman as music video won't be so bad and could top Superman Returns by at least 12% at the box office.
Bright side on Apr 12, 2011
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Really? Another superman movie after that last horrid attempt?
Underbrokensky on Jun 18, 2011
51
this could be good
A5J4DX on Nov 13, 2018
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