Michael Shannon, Hollywood’s reigning go-to creepy guy (Revolutionary Road, Boardwalk Empire), goes the full villain as General Zod in this month’s Superman reboot, Man of Steel. Best thing about this casting choice: Michael Shannon action figure, you guys!
You’re known for smaller indie films. Did they have to sell you on Man of Steel?
Are you kidding me? No way, man. I couldn’t believe it was happening. I thought it was a practical joke. I thought for sure they’d want somebody maybe a little bit more prominent.
I heard you’re making Zod sympathetic. Are we supposed to feel sad that his planet exploded?
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.
**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.
It’s your first toy.
Yeah, there are no Uncle Vanya toys.
Reviews of your films often talk about how creepy you seem.
Nobody who knows me thinks I’m creepy. Most of my friends think I’m a pushover.
**You also play a career killer in The Iceman (out this month), with Ray Liotta. He’s the only guy who is creepier than you. **
_[laughs] _Yeah, he is. I remember when I saw Something Wild the first time, I was like, "That’s the scariest motherfucker on planet Earth."
Did you two have a creep-off on set?
We didn’t make a lot of small talk, me and Ray. But I think we’re creepy in different ways. He’s got that real volatile electric thing—like you don’t know what the hell he’s gonna do. I’m more creepy because I’ll sit there and stare at you.
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