If it couldn't be Viggo ...

Actor Michael Shannon has been confirmed as the latest actor to join Zack Snyder's Superman: Man of Steel. Shannon is best known for his portrayal of John Givings in Revolutionary Road (for those who like excellent films) or as Doc Cross Williams from Jonah Hex (for those who like ... other).

Shannon has most recently been seen in TV's Boardwalk Empire, where he plays Agent Nelson Van Alden, whose descent from white knight to tarnished anti-hero made one of the most interesting character arcs for the show so far. According to Zack Snyder, "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." Being from Krypton as well, Zod has many of the same powers as Superman, but being a villain, uses them to a slightly different purpose. There is no confirmation yet on whether Zod will be joined by Ursa, although one can only hope.

Snyder went on to add, "Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and malice of the character." He has big shoes to fill, as Terence Stamp portrayed Zod in Superman II in a fantastically memorable and creepy way.

Shannon joins Henry Cavill (Superman/Clark Kent), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner (the Kents). Snyder, who has been under fire for the last several weeks due to the mixed reviews of Sucker Punch, appears to be shaking off the bad publicity and moving forward with his next film the best way he knows: by continuing to make inspired casting choices. Sucker Punch, Snyder's first attempt at writing original material, was also his worst-received film to date; while credited with interesting visuals, the story was criticized for being anything from confusing to tedious to openly misogynistic. Because Snyder has been receiving so much attention for the Superman reboot, crticisms of Sucker Punch were bound to leak over to that project as well. However, the only way to prove himself one way or the other is to put his head down and get on with it, already, and that seems to be just what Snyder is doing.

In the same press release, Zack Snyder confirmed that the official title of the film will be Man of Steel. Man of Steel will start shooting in August 2011 for an anticipated December 2012 release date.

See also:

Viggo Mortensen may play Zod

The Top 10 coolest comic-book villains in movies

Five directorial apologies for previous flops

Is Justice League headed for theatres?

Running Low on Heroes?

Top 10 most mishandled comic book characters in film

The five ages that preceded the 'Dark Age' of Hollywood

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