[Movies] Michael Shannon Says Zod Isn't a Villain in Man of Steel Posted by Jeremy Thomas on 03.15.2013
Not the way he sees it, anyway...
Michael Shannon and Henry Cavil recently spoke with Total Film Magazine about June 14th's release of Man of Steel. Check out the highlights:
Cavill on whether he was a fan of Superman growing up: "Having gone to boarding school, I didn't have a comic-book store nearby. But as soon as I was cast in the movie, that's when I got my full, real introduction to Superman...I managed to piece together this character, maintaining that baseline and having all differences and nuances that our script adds. This is our own thing, Stand-alone. It's about Superman, but we're not copying from any one comic book in particular. And that's a good thing, because its an origin-story."
Shannon on playing General Zod: "He's not a villain. He's not a villain any more than any other General fighting to protect his people. He doesn't like to just hurt people and steal diamonds; he's focused on being successful at his job...I think the way Terrence Stamp approached it - and this isn't any kind if criticism of his performance - there was something kind of detached about it. Pure, hatred, rage, whatever... I think this [characterisation] is more ambiguous."
Cavill on the costume: "We have absolute respect for what was then. But now is now. Even Superman in the new comics doesn't have the briefs - he has the red belt, but not the briefs. It's time for a change."
