Henry Cavill And Michael Shannon Discuss MAN OF STEEL; "Zod's Not A Villain"
Talking in the latest issue of Total Film Magazine, Henry Cavill has revealed that Man of Steel wasn't inspired by any particular comic books and shares his thoughts on the new costume design. Michael Shannon also addresses his co-cap armour and says he doesn't see General Zod as a villain in this movie.
"Having gone to boarding school, I didn't have a comic-book store nearby," the British actor confessed when asked whether or not he grew up a fan of the iconic DC superhero by Total Film Magazine. "But as soon as I was cast in the movie, that's when I got my full, real introduction to Superman." After doing plenty of reading and watching a pile of box sets, Cavill finally felt as if he had a good grip on the character. "I managed to piece together this character, maintaining that baseline and having all differences and nuances that our script adds. This is our own thing, Stand-alone. It's about Superman, but we're not copying from any one comic book in particular. And that's a good thing, because its an origin-story."
"He's not a villain," Michael Shannon said of General Zod. "He's not a villain any more than any other General fighting to protect his people. He doesn't like to just hurt people and steal diamonds; he's focused on being successful at his job." Unlike Cavill, Shannon didn't look to the past for inspiration, saying instead that he wants to take this version of the character in a different direction altogether. "I think the way Terrence Stamp approached it - and this isn't any kind if criticism of his performance - there was something kind of detached about it. Pure, hatred, rage, whatever... I think this [characterisation] is more ambiguous." As for his suit, the Boardwalk Empire star emphasises that motion capture technology was necessary as, "the real thing would probably crush me."
Talking of costumes, Superman also underwent a pretty radical transformation for Man of Steel. "We have absolute respect for what was then. But now is now. Even Superman in the new comics doesn't have the briefs - he has the red belt, but not the briefs. It's time for a change." Much more can from both of these actors can be found in the latest issue of Total Film Magazine. What do you think of these comments? Be sure to sound off with your thoughts in the usual place!
In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Henry Cavill) is a young twenty-something journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond his imagination. Transported years ago to Earth from Krypton, a highly advanced, distant planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question 'Why am I here?' Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), Clark discovers having extraordinary abilities means making difficult decisions. When the world is in dire need of stability, an even greater threat emerges. Clark must become a Man of Steel, to protect the people he loves and shine as the world’s beacon of hope – Superman.
STARRING:
Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman
Amy Adams as Lois Lane
Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent
Diane Lane as Martha Kent
Michael Shannon as Zod
RELEASE DATE: June 14th, 2013.