Superman Title And Villain Announced!

Yup, it was Zod after all.  I think it took them a bit of time to get it all together, but General Zod will be the villain in 2012 Superman reboot, now officially called "The Man Of Steel".  Playing the iconic villain will be Michael Shannon, best known for....very little.

This guy is going to fight Superman.  This guy.

First things first: title works just fine.  Also helps fit with the theme if Supes is figuring out what exactly he is, and it would be cool for him to decide that he is a man, although "a man of steel".  And Zod is cool too.  They will reinvent him a bit for the new age, just like they're reinventing so much about the franchise.  But at his core, he represents one of the most interesting challenges for Superman.  He can physically take on our hero, and also provide an emotional challenge and conflict.  Some fans wanted Brainiac, who should absolutely be in the inevitable sequel, but Zod was one of the few .  And fans who wanted Doomsday are out of their damn minds, since the only way to fill a 2 hour movie with him is to have a 2 hour fight sequence.

But Michael Shannon?  I was really into (what I assume was their top choice) Viggo Mortensen.  Viggo has that cold ruggedness and power that would have been perfect for Zod.  Michael Shannon just looks kinda creepy, and not in the good way.  And I've seen him in anything remotely memorable.  He's always just been in the background, although he was nominated for an Academy Award for Revolutionary Road.  Shannon has done some okay movies and some bad ones, so I can't get excited for this.  It could end up being a breakthrough performance and a spot on casting choice, but without any evidence or support I have little to go off of.  All I know is that he is one weird looking dude.  I might have to check out some of his other work, but then again I'm feeling kinda lazy and don't really want to.  We'll just have to wait and see then, won't we?