Michael Shannon talks about MAN OF STEEL - Scale, Acting, Zod & Challenges
In a recent interview with LA Times actor Michael Shannon talked about being involved with Man of Steel, the scale of the film, and playing the villain Zod. I honestly think Shannon will end up being the best part of this movie. I'm really rooting for the actor to be nominated and take home the Best Actor award for his work in Take Shelter. In the interview he talks about the massive set from another world... pretty cool stuff. I really want to be blown away be this Superman movie. Check out what the actor had to say below.
What can you tell us about the scale of Man of Steel?
It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done. It’s massive sets. It’s literally another world. It’s the first time I’ve acted on another planet.
What is it like acting on a set like that?
As much green screen as there is and I’m sure will be, they’re actually building a lot of the sets as well. I had thought it was just going to be green screens everywhere and we would just be pretending everything. There’s quite a bit of detail they’re building and putting into it. It’s very helpful. The less green screen, the better — I don’t think you’d be able to find an actor on Earth who wouldn’t have that sentiment.
What drew you to the film?
This is one of the biggest stories of all time: the Superman story. Its prevalence is enormous. And I remember watching the original films — the [Richard] Donner films, and Terence Stamp in the role [of Zod], and the three Kryptonians — it scared the crap out of me. It really left an impression on me. Someone asking me to follow in those footsteps seemed like the highest kind of challenge you could have as an actor. And I always like to be challenged.
What can you say about the character of General Zod?
He’s not one of these archetypal villains with horns coming out of his head and breathing fire or something. He’s a man, a Kryptonian man. He’s a general, that’s his main attribute. That’s the way I approach it: playing a general. I’ve done military parts before, but I’ve only been up to sergeant, so this is a big promotion.