Michael Shannon Cast as General Zod

So I guess this means we’re going to get some fisticuffs in this one.

Warner Bros. announced that Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road) has been cast as General Zod in Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot. Movie audiences will recall that Zod was introduced in the original 1978 Superman film and brought a whole heap of trouble for the Man of Steel in Superman II.

Snyder said the following in the official announcement from Warner Bros.: “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.”

Terrence Stamp memorably played the villain in the original, in which he was aided by Phantom Zone escapees Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and Non (Jack O’Halloran). Now Zod is usually not alone when he makes an appearance, so this news begs the question: will Superman face off against more Kryptonian criminals? Only time will tell.

Snyder’s Superman reboot is scheduled for release during the 2012 holiday season.