If we humble film fans know anything about Christopher Nolan it’s that he likes to mess with our heads. Since Zack Snyder is helming the new Superman film Man of Steel for Mr. Nolan, it seems Zacky-boy wasn’t quite honest with us regarding the villain of his new film. So what does that mean you ask. Well I’ll cut to the chase. When we were told the would be no kneeling before Zod, that was, in fact, a lie (read: LIE)!
Over the weekend a very unlikely actor has been announced for a pivotal and highly speculated role in Man of Steel. From Screen Rant, we get a little more exposition as to the Nolan/Snyder misdirection:
Warner Bros. confirmed the casting moments ago that Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire, The Runaways) will be playing the villainous Kryptonian, Zod, in the now-titled Man of Steel.
Snyder had the following to say about the latest member of his cast:
“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.”
Michael Shannon may not hold the star power as his wildly rumored competitor for the part,Viggo Mortensen, but those familiar with his work understand his talent and that he can certainly live up to Terence Stamp’s portrayal of Zod in Superman II (1980). Shannon’s casting adds another likable actor that fans can get behind and helps fill out the what seems to be the core cast of the film which includes:
- Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman
- Amy Adams as Lois Lane
- Diane Lane as Martha
- Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent
With the confirmation of Zod being the feature villain of the story, many previously denied rumors are open game yet again, even dating back to the initial rumored storyline which involved Clark Kent as a young reporter, traveling the world while questioning whether or not he should dress up and play hero. This conveniently coincided nicely with the latest (albeit obvious) Superman: Man of Steel plot rumors, where Clark becomes Superman to save those he loves.
Wow, I did not see that coming. As of right now, I don’t know about this and as such will need to see much more before I’m sold on this. Although, as Screen Rant points out above, Shannon has given some surprising turns in lesser appreciated films so maybe this could be the film that finally gets him out of obscurity. But again, it’s too early for me to get on board.
What say you fans of the Supes? Excited to see Zod reinvented? What do you think of Shannon in the role? Or does anyone, like myself, feel recycling Zod is unnecessary and unoriginal?? Who would you like to see as the villain??
