Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire) plays Superman villain General Zod in Man of Steel. The indie actor known for his creepy roles is featured in this month’s GQ. Shannon was asked if Zod is pure evil or will the audience feel any empathy or sympathy for the revolutionary from a destroyed planet.
“Well, I don’t think I’m gonna make anybody cry. When I saw it as a kid, Terence Stamp was just stone-cold terrifying. But you’re never really sure why he’s so mad. We were trying to answer that question. You may not feel bad for me, but every once in a while, you might think, He’s kinda got a point.”
Terence Stamp played Zod in Superman and Superman II opposite Christopher Reeve. Shannon says don’t expect the classic line, Tell me you say, “Kneel before Zod.”
“No. No, I don’t. I’m not so much interested in making people kneel or flip around or bark or roll over. I just want to do my job, basically. Did you have any input on your Zod action figure? I’ve seen a picture of it. It’s really a good likeness. I’m very happy with it. But I didn’t clear it or anything. Nobody asked for my opinion.”
For more of the Michael Shannon interview check out this month’s GQ.
Man of Steel opens Friday.
By Editor