Michael Shannon Cast as ‘Superman: Man of Steel’ Villain Zod

Director Zack Snyder’s reboot of Superman now has its villain. Michael Shannon has been officially cast in the role of General Zod in Man of Steel. Zod comes from Krypton where he commanded the planet’s armed forces, and was portrayed in the original Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980) by Terence Stamp.

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. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

Shannon (most recently seen in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire) joins Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman, Kevin Costner as Jonathan “Pa” Kent, and Diane Lane as Martha “Ma” Kent, and Amy Adams as Lois Lane as those who have been officially cast in the film. Superman: Man of Steel is set to begin production this summer and is headed for a release in December 2012.