Well, here’s the best fucking idea we’ve heard all day. This morning the rumor mill started around Zack Snyder‘s “Superman” again with word that Edgar Ramirez (“Carlos“) was being considered for a villain role in the upcoming film. Well, another actor has now emerged — someone who is perhaps one of the finest character actors working right now.
Deadline reports that Michael Shannon — probably best known to mainstream auds for his turn in “Revolutionary Road” — is being eyed for a baddie role as well in “Superman.” Of course, details are thin to non-existent. No idea what the part is or if it’s the same one Ramirez is being eyed for. But if there’s anything to take away from this, it’s that Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan seem to be making sure Snyder is surrounded with as many strong actors as they can muster. If the film succeeds or fails, it certainly won’t be at the hands of the actors if WB can help it.
It’s kind of weird. We were just talking to come colleagues recently about Michael Shannon and how his unique presence pretty much meant that he would never be a mainstream leading man (there’s a reason he’s not named in “The Bourne Legacy” shortlist for example). And while we’re worried that Shannon will get pigeonholed into these kinds of roles, if he’s going to leap into tentpole territory, why not go for broke with something that fits firmly in his wheelhouse.
But again, this is all pretty much speculation at this point and we’re sure there are plenty of actors being eyed for the role. Shannon just came off a season of the excellent “Boardwalk Empire” and we imagine scheduling for the second season will be a huge question mark in regards to any participation he has in “Superman.” But all this to say, thumbs up at least in the direction that casting is moving.
“Superman” flies into theaters in December 2012.
mmm…i think Lana Lang IS Kristin Kreuk .
:lol Kristin Kreuk is the best Lana Lang IMO…the girl is just jaw dropping gorgeous. Kristin bashers just can\’t deal with the fact that she made Smallville..
Michael Shannon would be interesting for a role in a Superman movie. Good luck to him.
With the right makeup he could be Bizarro.
Lex Luthor should be a background villain/subplot/thorn-in-Supes-side in every Superman movie. He just shouldn\’t be the main villain in any of them. Shannon could do an interesting take on Lex I\’m sure.
I\’m NOT on the hate Snyder bandwagon. But early SUCKER PUNCH reviews are going to fill the tank up. You know how jock announcers like to crow out stats like Butch Numbly has 283 straight wins against the Charles River Chowdahs & that\’s the game breaks the streak. Hope that\’s not what Zack Snyder will do working w/Nolan on Superman. As for Michael Shannon, he looks more like a Dark Knight kind of villain. Though I\’m pretty sure he\’d be a better Lana Lang than Kristin Kreuk. . ..
I can see him as Metallo if they were to use him in the movie.
i never thought of him as lex luthor but now i think that he whould be the Best for the role. i mean i`m kinnda tired of Lex Luthor beeing in every Supes movie but i really think this guy can totally pull off the best LL yet (IMO LL is one of the most complex characters in comics but was never quite portrayed right in movies). Don`t get me wrong: i would like the big blue to have a physical enemy as well
Inspired idea. But i\’m getting sick of seeing Shannon as the villain or psychotic person. I like to see him in a role like Brad Pitt in Tree of Life.
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
Michael Shannon is one of my favorite under-the-radar actors. Sure, he plays villains and nuts a lot, but sometimes there\’s just not anybody who can play that sort of part better. Kinda like how Michael Douglas is the absolute best at high-power white collar guys.
No joke, he has been my choice for Lex Luthor.
*fingers crossed*
@dfkjdfs
My two cents: because it\’ll make it worth a rental at the very least, and he deserves the money/attention that\’ll come along with the role.
Why is it a good thing for a great actor to be cast in a bad film?