Re: Michael Shannon Cast As Zod

Apologist Puncher Sun Dec 04, 2011 10:34 pm

Not surprisingly, once again it is Michael Shannon talking 'Man Of Steel':

http://comicbookmovie.com/fansites/JoshWildingNewsAndReviews/news/?a=50686

Talking to The Province (via Superman: Man of Steel (2013)) Michael Shannon was quizzed on how his time working on Man of Steel has been going, although the actor was as careful as ever not to give too much away. "Man of Steel? It’s about Superman, I can tell you that. It’s pretty hush-hush, it’s a reboot going back to the origins of Superman. We started doing preparations in the spring, learning stunts and stuff, and we started shooting towards the end of July. We were in Illinois for a couple of months then we wound up here in Vancouver."

"Oh, he’s a prince," the actor said when talk turned to director Zack Snyder. "One of the sweetest people I’ve ever met in this business. Very warm-hearted individual and very creative. He blends in, he likes to feel, to be one of the guys, one of the crew, but he’s able to do that without losing his authority. He doesn’t really crack the whip, he’s friendly and because he’s friendly people want to make him happy."

Zack Snyder's movies tend to be fairly heavy on CGI and this is something Shannon is seemingly quite grateful for, especially after the interviewer brought up how former Zod, Terrence Stamp, was hoisted around on a rig to achieve the flying effects in the original Superman. "Unfortunately for Mr. Stamp, they didn’t have CGI back then. I’m being spared a lot of drudgery that he had to endure. From time to time I’m in a harness, but I don’t think anywhere near as much as he was. It’s no secret that a lot of the film is going to be assisted by computer designed animation."

"I guess it can be frustrating not having those tactile elements around you, being surrounded by the green, but you’re always trying to tell a story and be honest and you use your imagination regardless of whether there’s a set or not," he revealed, highlighting some of the potential downsides to visual effects. "In a way it’s even more childlike (with CG) because you’re really relying solely on your imagination, like a little kid in the yard who doesn’t have any props, just inventing something out of thin air. That’s the original impulse for it all to begin with, I think."

webhead2006 Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:23 am

Nice comments again about filming, and snyder at helm. Of course he cant give us anything to juicy. But still a good guy here.

thecolorsblend Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:40 am

Once again, Shannon is showing he's a class act and team player. If his talent doesn't impress someone (and I can't see how it wouldn't), surely his professionalism will...

It's almost funny how he's the polar opposite of Tom Hardy...

Apologist Puncher Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:55 am

thecolorsblend wrote:Once again, Shannon is showing he's a class act and team player. If his talent doesn't impress someone (and I can't see how it wouldn't), surely his professionalism will...

Anybody doubting Michael Shannon should never watch a film, television show, mini series, hell YOUTUBE VIDEO, for the remainder of their sad, awesome-void life.

It's almost funny how he's the polar opposite of Tom Hardy...

You mean missing that "Little Man Syndrome"?

thecolorsblend Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:23 am

Apologist Puncher wrote:You mean missing that "Little Man Syndrome"?

I suppose I could've said "acting like a douchebag in front of the entire international media" but, yeah, your thing is a bit more succinct.

non_amos Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:23 am

thecolorsblend wrote:Once again, Shannon is showing he's a class act and team player. If his talent doesn't impress someone (and I can't see how it wouldn't), surely his professionalism will...

It's almost funny how he's the polar opposite of Tom Hardy...

You mean this guy?

Michael Shannon Cast As Zod - Page 9 69571010

Even 'the hulking 190-lb. Bane' might be a stretch! And in some of these pics I see online of Hardly in the mask, it reminds me of when they brought Lex back in Smallville. You know, his face was obscured by a mask with his eyes clearly showing. You know, kinda like.........this?! Makes me wonder if Nolan didn't rip off that idea besides Mortal Kombat.

But yeah, Shannon is light-years ahead of Hardly in the 'couth' department. Mr. Hardly, say hello to Mr. Hartnett!

Apologist Puncher Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:27 am

Those bones might as well spell out F-A-I-L on Hardly's mask......

non_amos Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:39 am

I'm still waiting to see how he's gonna rip heads right off the bodies with his bare hands, not to mention reaching in your chest & pulling your heart out. Oh, let's not forget spinal columns also. With Hardly's size, I wonder how Nolan is gonna justify that? Rolling Eyes

Apologist Puncher Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:50 am

non_amos wrote:I'm still waiting to see how he's gonna rip heads right off the bodies with his bare hands, not to mention reaching in your chest & pulling your heart out. Oh, let's not forget spinal columns also. With Hardly's size, I wonder how Nolan is gonna justify that?

He won't. That was all hyperbole to try to get people to overlook Hardly's short-comings.

Literally and figuratively.

thecolorsblend Thu Jan 19, 2012 12:51 pm

http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/01/18/man-of-steel-star-michael-shannon-baffled-by-comic-con-culture/

When we spoke to Michael Shannon late last year, he had flown into Los Angeles from Vancouver during a brief break from making the new Superman movie, “Man of Steel.” Shannon began work on the film last August, wrapping the second season of “Boardwalk Empire” on a Wednesday and finding himself on an Illinois farm the next morning to begin life as Superman’s nemesis, General Zod.

The movie isn’t due out until June 14, 2013, but Shannon admits it’s all most people want to talk about. And when he does talk about it, the conversation usually gets him in a “tremendous amount of trouble” with the film’s producers and Warner Bros. gatekeepers.

“I got signaled that less is more,” Shannon said. “It’s kind of curious. It is Superman. So I think everybody kind of knows what happens, you know? Nothing’s going to be a huge shock.”

That said, Shannon understands. Sort of. “Man of Steel” marks his first foray into Comic-Con culture, a realm, he admits, that completely baffles him.

“There are legions of fans salivating, who will literally spend the next year and a half looking at the clock, waiting for this movie,” Shannon said, shrugging his shoulders. “That’s just the way it is. I don’t know why. Me, personally, I’m not a huge fan. I can’t even read comic books. I don’t know which panel to look at next. I hardly ever know what any of the characters are talking about. So, no, I am not one of them. But there are a lot of them. They’re out there. And they really want to talk to me about this movie!”

Terence Stamp as Zod. (Warner Bros)

Which is not to say that Shannon isn’t enjoying himself as Zod. Well … except for the special effects scenes (“that really ugly green [screen] is everywhere … it starts to slowly drive you insane”) that require him to wear a motion-capture suit (“a unique form of humiliation, I must say”). He’s happy (but, again, a bit baffled) that director Zack Snyder thought of him for the role and more than a little daunted by the prospect of following Terence Stamp’s iconic performance from the Christopher Reeve films in 1978 and 1980.

“Stamp was really smart about it,” Shannon says. “He created a sense of gravity by doing very little. It’s hard to feel like you’re not twirling your moustache when you’re playing a villain. Me and Zack are constantly trying to bring as much variety and complexity as possible. He’s very good about that. No matter what I come up with on the first take, he comes up with a good way to explore it and change it up to keep it interesting. You don’t want it to be: ‘I’m a bad guy. I hate you!’

“One thing we’re doing …” And then Shannon stops himself. “You know, I think I’ve already said too much. I don’t want to be getting another one of those phone calls. I have to go back to work on this Monday…”

webhead2006 Thu Jan 19, 2012 12:56 pm

Nice article

Apologist Puncher Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:45 pm

This is all I needed to hear:

“He created a sense of gravity by doing very little. It’s hard to feel like you’re not twirling your moustache when you’re playing a villain. Me and Zack are constantly trying to bring as much variety and complexity as possible. He’s very good about that. No matter what I come up with on the first take, he comes up with a good way to explore it and change it up to keep it interesting. You don’t want it to be: ‘I’m a bad guy. I hate you!’

webhead2006 Fri Jan 20, 2012 3:27 pm

He does keep saying good things. And also even though he isn't into the whole comic craze and the fandom atleast he has kind words to say and doesn't brush off the fans/fandom like certain actors have done in the past.

Apologist Puncher Thu Feb 09, 2012 12:28 am

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/JoshWildingNewsAndReviews/news/?a=54297

Michael Shannon (General Zod in the upcoming Man of Steel) recently revealed that he has been warned by Warner Bros. to be a little more careful about what he reveals about the secretive Superman reboot. So, talking to The Playlist recently, he made sure to let slip nothing more than praise for the British actor who will don the iconic suit in 2013's Man Of Steel. "Henry [Cavill] is a fantastic Superman, he’s got a little edge to him and he’s smart, clever and I had fun working with him."

However, Shannon also had plenty of good things to say about director Zack Snyder too, best know to comic book movie fans for helming 300 and Watchmen. "I think Zack is the master stylist, visually, I mean he’s up there with Scorsese in my book in terms of visual composition, orchestration, etc." That's quite the compliment! He then went on to finally reveal that, "the whole thing is edgy in a way like when Nolan took over the Batman franchise." Whether this is down to Christopher Nolan's role as producer is unknown, but be sure to sound off with your thoughts below.

Seems like Michael Shannon is the ONLY person talking about this film....

thecolorsblend Thu Feb 09, 2012 12:41 am

Michael Shannon wrote:"the whole thing is edgy in a way like when Nolan took over the Batman franchise."

This is the first thing I've heard about that movie that has me a little concerned. Maybe I'm the one with the problem here but I don't see that analogy as a good thing. Your mileage may vary.

Apologist Puncher wrote:Seems like Michael Shannon is the ONLY person talking about this film....

Eh, that Lara chick said something recently, right? Cavill's doing junkets for some other movie soon. I'd expect plenty of Superman talk to come out of that (see, unlike certain bartenders I could mention, Cavill has a bona fide career going). Snyder's probably gearing up for post right about now.

But as to the other cast and crew... yeah, their absence is kinda hard not to notice.

Apologist Puncher Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:16 am

thecolorsblend wrote:This is the first thing I've heard about that movie that has me a little concerned. Maybe I'm the one with the problem here but I don't see that analogy as a good thing. Your mileage may vary.

Remember, they are going to want to pull-in all the Nolanite's out there. What better way then to keep mentioning his films?

Eh, that Lara chick said something recently, right?

Actually, it was from January. What's funny is, ALL the other sites out there missed it.

Cavill's doing junkets for some other movie soon. I'd expect plenty of Superman talk to come out of that (see, unlike certain bartenders I could mention, Cavill has a bona fide career going). Snyder's probably gearing up for post right about now.

You know, I never thought about that. Why exactly wasn't BJ filming any other projects between wrap and release?

Oh yeah. He sucks.

But as to the other cast and crew... yeah, their absence is kinda hard not to notice.

Exactly.

thecolorsblend Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:29 am

thecolorsblend wrote:This is the first thing I've heard about that movie that has me a little concerned. Maybe I'm the one with the problem here but I don't see that analogy as a good thing. Your mileage may vary.

Apologist Puncher wrote:Remember, they are going to want to pull-in all the Nolanite's out there. What better way then to keep mentioning his films?

Politicking. Yeah, I suppose. Hope you're right.

thecolorsblend wrote:Eh, that Lara chick said something recently, right?

Apologist Puncher wrote:Actually, it was from January. What's funny is, ALL the other sites out there missed it.

Egg. I have egg on my face. I can't have egg on my face.

thecolorsblend wrote:Cavill's doing junkets for some other movie soon. I'd expect plenty of Superman talk to come out of that (see, unlike certain bartenders I could mention, Cavill has a bona fide career going). Snyder's probably gearing up for post right about now.

Apologist Puncher wrote:You know, I never thought about that. Why exactly wasn't BJ filming any other projects between wrap and release?

Oh yeah. He sucks.

It didn't really occur to me until a while after Singerman came out. Bale might've been doing junkets for something or other (3:10 To Yuma?) and Batman stuff came up from time to time. But Blandon? After production on Singerman wrapped, it was as though he dove into a hole and pulled it in after him. I swear to think some Apologists at the time attributed that to him being "very private". Um, no, that's Tom Welling (for better or for worse). Routh needed all the exposure, so to speak, that he could get. That he wasn't getting a whole lot... well, it said something about his "celebrity". Specifically, the lack thereof.

In some ways, I kinda feel bad for the guy because Singer and Singerman had to have given him a lot of false hope. "This movie will light your career UP! Just sign on the dotted line, do this movie for minimum wage and rake in the cash later!" But the truth is that even if Singerman had done LOTR numbers, I just can't convince myself that his career ever would've taken off. Other cast and crew might've gotten a boost off it but I can't picture it ever changing his fortunes too much.

non_amos Thu Feb 09, 2012 2:32 am

That 'edgy' comment could relate to Nolan since he's the producer & the whole 'reel 'em in' stance. However, I also see it as a move away from the 'boyscout' version of Superman. I don't blame them for wanting to do something new but otoh I think many in fandom & the media look at that version as being too cliche & outdated. It worked for Reeve in the 70's but it ain't working now in other words because like some Internet dude would say, "I want my heroes dark!" And I think to some degree that's what we're gonna get. But remember that S shield on Cavill? Still looks very 'Earth-2' doesn't it? And I think we know how Earth-2 Superman has been depicted in attitude & temperament. A tough-as-nails, take-no-prisoners Superman who doesn't know the word docile. That's probably what we'll get when Superman throws down on Zod in the film. I can't say I regret that. Chances are that Superman will once again be 'cool' to the masses but boys & girls, this isn't your Dad's Superman.

webhead2006 Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:04 pm

Some nice comments from shannon. As for not much going on it sucks we not getting much. But filming is wrapping up and like shannon said they been warned to keep hush hush so we still have more then enough time to hear more comments and all that. Likes all hope they made all the right calls this time.

Apologist Puncher Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:05 pm

thecolorsblend wrote:Politicking. Yeah, I suppose. Hope you're right.

I often am.

thecolorsblend wrote:Egg. I have egg on my face. I can't have egg on my face.

Happens to us all.

thecolorsblend wrote:It didn't really occur to me until a while after Singerman came out. Bale might've been doing junkets for something or other (3:10 To Yuma?) and Batman stuff came up from time to time. But Blandon? After production on Singerman wrapped, it was as though he dove into a hole and pulled it in after him. I swear to think some Apologists at the time attributed that to him being "very private". Um, no, that's Tom Welling (for better or for worse). Routh needed all the exposure, so to speak, that he could get. That he wasn't getting a whole lot... well, it said something about his "celebrity". Specifically, the lack thereof.

Ummm, Kevin Spacey is "private" in his personal life. The reason why, well that's neither here-nor-there. But the guy is ALWAYS doing something. Whether it's on stage or onscreen. So THAT little excuse was bullshit.

I find it funny that all the Routh Apologists have been able to harp on is BJ GUEST STARRING on a TV series. And in the next breath trying to "bash" Welling for STARRING ON A 10 YEAR LONG TV SERIES.

Idiot much?

In some ways, I kinda feel bad for the guy because Singer and Singerman had to have given him a lot of false hope. "This movie will light your career UP! Just sign on the dotted line, do this movie for minimum wage and rake in the cash later!" But the truth is that even if Singerman had done LOTR numbers, I just can't convince myself that his career ever would've taken off. Other cast and crew might've gotten a boost off it but I can't picture it ever changing his fortunes too much.

I could never feel bad for that turd. Maybe, MAYBE, if he came out and pulled a Clooney and said "Yeah, we fucked up. I stunk, and I apologize to all REAL Superman fans out there. I did Christopher Reeve no justice.".

But the guy is history in HollyWeird, so even if he DID, no one would pay attention.

non_amos Sun Feb 26, 2012 5:59 pm

http://www.ifc.com/fix/2012/02/man-of-steel-michael-shannon-interview

“Man of Steel” star Michael Shannon talks about his respect for General Zod

PHOTO: Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon at the 2012 Spirit Awards. Photo By: Gregorio Binuya/Everett Collection

The actor talks about his relationship with the Superman villain.

Interviews

Posted February 25th, 2012, 11:02 PM by Terri Schwartz

This might be the year of superhero films, but there’s one who’s waiting until 2013 to make his return to the big screen. Superman will fly back into theaters in Zack Snyder‘s “Man of Steel” with Henry Cavill wearing the big red “S” and blue spandex. But despite our enthusiasm for seeing what he has to bring to the role, we’re honestly more excited to see how Michael Shannon pulls off his portrayal of General Zod.

IFC caught up with the “Take Shelter” star on the red carpet at the Film Independent Spirit Awards and asked him how terrified we’d end up being of his take on Zod. Turns out he won’t be as chill-inducing as some of Shannon’s other roles.

“He’s actually a not very scary guy,” Shannon said. “He’s just trying to do his job, just like anybody.”

That almost makes Zod seem like he’d be a little relatable. And apparently he is, at least to Shannon. He just isn’t sure if other people will be able to make the same connection with Zod that he did.

“I don’t know, you know? I don’t want to say,” Shannon hedged. “Some people might hate him, some people might love him. But I’m fond of him. I respect him.”

Are you looking forward to seeing Shannon’s portrayal of General Zod in “Man of Steel”? Tell us in the comments section below or on Facebook and Twitter.
Tags: Man of Steel, Michael Shannon

Here's another similar article:

http://movies.cosmicbooknews.com/content/superman-man-steel-2013-michael-shannon-talks-dual-nature-zod?fbc_channel=1&type=resize&height=250&ackData[id]=1

Superman: The Man of Steel (2013): Michael Shannon Talks The Dual Nature Of Zod

CBN › News › Movie News
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Posted by: Matt McGloin, Editor/Publisher
February 26, 2012 09:58 | Updated: 2 hours 27 min Ago

Michael Shannon, face of the new Zod in the new Superman reboot, the Man of Steel, once again discusses the dual nature of the role for the character.

Shannon offers up that Zod may -- or may not -- be the villain that everyone thinks him to be.

“He’s actually a not very scary guy,” Shannon told IFC at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. “He’s just trying to do his job, just like anybody.”

Shannon continues hinting that Zod might not be all that evil, as it depends on your perspective, when asked about how relatable the character will be to some.

“I don’t know, you know? I don’t want to say,” Shannon said. “Some people might hate him, some people might love him. But I’m fond of him. I respect him.”

It's rumored Zod will be attempting to rebuild Krypton on Earth in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. Seeing how he his one of the last of his kind, can you fault him for trying?

I suppose it depends how he goes about "rebuilding!"

Stay tuned to Cosmic Book News as more on the Man Of Steel develops.

Man Of Steel flies into theaters June 14th, 2013 directed by Zack Snyder starring, Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel, Diane Lane as Martha "Ma" Kent, Kevin Costner as Jonathan "Pa" Kent, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as Zod, and Russel Crowe as Jor-El.

Be sure to check out the Cosmic Book News Superman Movie Hub for even more news and information.

Rebuilding Krypton huh? Sounds like another take on Smallville! Or are they just gonna remodel Mount Rushmore? Thoughts?

webhead2006 Sun Feb 26, 2012 7:18 pm

He keeps saying good stuff.

thecolorsblend Sun Feb 26, 2012 7:44 pm

webhead2006 wrote:He keeps saying good stuff.

Really? I'm not convinced of that when it comes to the "he's just trying to do his job" bit. I guess I don't mind some villains being humanized and "identifiable" but I don't see what's so bad about making Zod just plain evil. When did that become unacceptable? You know?

Comicbookfan-V2 Sun Feb 26, 2012 7:58 pm

I guess he's addressing that Zod would full as a one of those sympathetic villain types in which his motives are seemingly positive but it's execution resulted abit more negatively.

thecolorsblend Sun Feb 26, 2012 7:59 pm

Comicbookfan-V2 wrote:I guess he's addressing that Zod would full as a one of those sympathetic villain types in which his motives are seemingly positive but it's execution resulted abit more negatively.

Yes, I got that much. My beef is that it's okay for Zod to be portrayed as an evil, irredeemable bastard now and again.

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