class=”alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-47975″ title=”General Zod” src=”https://www.heyuguys.com/images//2010/10/General-Zod1-220×150.jpg” alt=”” width=”220″ height=”150″ />We reported here that Zack Snyder has finally been given the nod from an extremely high-calibre pool as director for the forthcoming Superman reboot, “Man of Steel”. Whilst speculation now continues as to casting for Kal-El, Lois Lane etc (I still like Natalie Portman for Lois Lane), thoughts also turn to villain duties.
In their reporting of Zack Snyder’s appointment as director, Hollywood Reporter say that the script (being drafted by David S. Goyer) is rumoured to be connected to Richard Donner’s Superman films and in particular the inclusion of Superman II villain, General Zod.
In a sense, this is not a massive surprise. Zod had been whispered about ever since the release of Superman Returns, as a fitting foe for the next Superman film. In addition, Smallville, Warner Bros successful TV series about the origins of Superman and his development from boy to man, had Zod as the villain for the entirety of season 9. Given that Lex Luthor has been used so regularly in the Superman films, perhaps a different villain is needed, to reduce the risk of familiarity breeding contempt.
The next question might then be, what sort of General Zod might we want? Terence Stamp played him quite aristocratically in Superman II and his slightly camp shiny black jump suit might have to go. By contrast, Major Zod in Smallville was much less refined but nonetheless a thoroughly menacing, unpleasant character.
This is all still rumour and hearsay, but while it still is, let us have your comments below. Zod? Brainiac? Doomsday? Luthor? Which actors do you think would work? We will keep our ear to the ground for you and bring you more news as it breaks.
Gary Oldman for Zod!
That is a GOOD shout. He would be awesome.
If Nolan can keep Snyder on message with the storytelling this movie has the potential to be truly epic. I mean get ready. This isn’t Donner’s general zod, hopefully we’re talking an 2010’s version of a ruthless and cunning kryptonian general. With the same powers as superman, and the bad intentions of a superbly trained soldier turned war criminal. Talk about a juicy character.
Snyder has a good down and dirty style for his fight scenes and 300 proves he’s able to film a fight or action scene with a grand and epic scope. Let’s hope that snyder’s team from 300 are bringing their talents to this project.
Oldman has the acting chops to be Zod for sure but does he have the youth and the ability to handle the physicality of the role. Depending on the age of the actor playing superman, I like Jude Law for this. He’s a good actor, can handle physical fight scenes well, just see Repo Men. However, Law will need to commit to the role of a morally corrupt and domineering zod. This zod character has all the power of superman, but none of the moral restraint we love about clark kent. Just like heath ledger, who ever plays zod will have to be willing to let go and let the audience see them as a truly scary and evil character.
Don’t let the haters get u to drink haterade. This movie’s got serious potential. Many fans have been waiting for a script like this to green lighted for a long time. It reminds me of all the promise when batman begins got green lighted.
It’s a relevant point about the physicality of Zod, though that wasn’t an issue when you look at Terrance Stamp and especially what can be achieved through special effects. I really feel Oldman would bring the menace (and the right level of camp!).
Law is a good suggestion and I remember his name being bandied about when Singer was interested in resurrecting Zod.
However, another suggestion I have (though controversial) is Gerald Butler. He has the physicality, charisma and menace required, and about the right age. Someone else suggested Michael Fassbender, another great choice though unlikely as he will be tied to X-Men First Class.
It’s a relevant point about the physicality of Zod, though that wasn’t an issue when you look at Terrance Stamp and especially what can be achieved through special effects. I really feel Oldman would bring the menace (and the right level of camp!).
Law is a good suggestion and I remember his name being bandied about when Singer was interested in resurrecting Zod.
However, another suggestion I have (though controversial) is Gerald Butler. He has the physicality, charisma and menace required, and about the right age. Someone else suggested Michael Fassbender, another great choice though unlikely as he will be tied to X-Men First Class.
I think Butler would be good and certainly brings the brooding looks, charisma and physicality. Not sure about Law, perhaps not mean looking enough? Interesting that we’re all circling Brits? How about Eric Bana? Jason Isaacs? Liam Neeson?
It’s a basic rule that Brits make the best villains!
Jason Issacs is totally under-rated (he would make a great Bond IMO) and would be fantastic. Bana fits into the same bracket, brilliant and underused.
Neeson could work – though maybe too old.
It’s a basic rule that Brits make the best villains!
Jason Issacs is totally under-rated (he would make a great Bond IMO) and would be fantastic. Bana fits into the same bracket, brilliant and underused.
Neeson could work – though maybe too old.
It’s a basic rule that Brits make the best villains!
Jason Issacs is totally under-rated (he would make a great Bond IMO) and would be fantastic. Bana fits into the same bracket, brilliant and underused.
Neeson could work – though maybe too old.
It’s a basic rule that Brits make the best villains!
Jason Issacs is totally under-rated (he would make a great Bond IMO) and would be fantastic. Bana fits into the same bracket, brilliant and underused.
Neeson could work – though maybe too old.
Liam Neeson is too associated with kind mentor characters such as Qui Gon and Aslan. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him play a truly nasty villain. We were even fooled in Batman Begins just because Neeson wasn’t expected to be the true villain.