Is Man of Steel misunderstood? Michael Shannon gives his thoughts on the film and how he views one of its most controversial elements: Zod’s neck snap.
Man of Steel is such an odd piece of cinematic history. The film was created as a launch point for a new DC Universe, with an all-star cast including Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe, and Amy Adams assembled to bring the world of Metropolis to life. However, the film itself was controversial upon release — a controversy which Warner Bros. ignored to limp forward with a franchise already marked for death.
There are some, especially in retrospect, who look back on those involved with Man of Steel and call them opportunists trying to cash in on the superhero craze fresh off the first Avengers film. However, for at least some actors, that’s far from the truth. Michael Shannon, who played Zod in the movie, had a recent interview with Vanity Fair where he reflected on the film and his role in it.
“I really loved working with Zack [Snyder], and I really loved making this movie. I think a lot of people say, ‘Oh, this isn’t what he usually does. He just went for the big payday,’ or something, but I’m proud of this movie. I think it’s actually about something.”
Man Of Steel’s Biggest Controversy
Perhaps the biggest controversy surrounding Man of Steel, both on its release and to this day, was the decision to have Superman snap Zod’s neck. It’s a moment that has been memed to death in the decade since its release. However, Michael Shannon does view the moment as being a rather impactful piece of the puzzle.
“Oh, gosh, I just wish people didn’t kill people. Period. I mean, whether or not they’re aliens from outer space, or just regular joes. I guess one of the controversies with this film, and Zack [Snyder] engineered this, really, is that Superman is not supposed to kill anybody.”
“So, I put him in a situation where, if he wants to save these people, he has to kill me, and he does. And that obviously led to a lot of sturm un drang, or whatever you say.”
In a world where so many actors have turned on the possibility of superhero movies ever having artistic merit, it is at least refreshing that an actor as decorated as Michael Shannon is still willing to go to bat for Man of Steel. While the neck snap itself will certainly remain controversial, the impact the film had on the genre as a whole will certainly be studied for years to come.
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