Michael Shannon, who received an Oscar nomination for “Best Supporting Actor” for his work in Revolutionary Road, will play Superman’s adversary General Zod in Zack Snyder’s reboot of the Superman franchise, Man of Steel.  Shannon, who also plays a key role in the Boardwalk Empire TV series, is a highly respected actor and a great "get" for Man of Steel director Snyder.  Terrance Stamp played General Zod, who commanded the armed forces of Krypton, in Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman and Superman II in 1980.

Zack Snyder told The Hollywood Reporter that: “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.”

Shannon joins a cast that includes Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, and Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent  (see “Amy Adams is Lois Lane”).