Michael Shannon Says Making The Flash Wasn’t Satisfying
Reprising the role of General Zod in The Flash did nothing to fulfill Michael Shannon, who isn't too keen on multiversal stories.
Michael Shannon, the actor who portrays General Zod in The Flash, did not enjoy reprising his role for the DC film. Speaking to Collider, the actor said the experience was different from working on Man of Steel in 2013. “I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t quite satisfying for me as an actor,” he said. Shannon went on to explain his dissatisfaction with the multiverse story arc.
“These multiverse movies are like somebody playing with action figures. It’s like, ‘Here’s this person. Here’s that person. And they’re fighting!’ It’s not quite the in-depth character study situation that I honestly felt Man of Steel was. Whether people think that’s crazy or not, I don’t even care. I really felt like Man of Steel was actually a pretty sophisticated story. I feel like The Flash is too, but it’s not Zod’s story. I’m basically there to present a challenge.”
Michael Shannon
Despite his negative experience with The Flash, the actor had nothing but praise for Ezra Miller.
“I just think Ezra is a fascinating performer and actor,” Michael Shannon added. “I can’t wait to see this performance. It’s a huge challenge. I don’t want to give anything away, but what Ezra has to do in this movie is pretty crazy, and I think [they’re] up for the task. I know a lot of times, with movies like this, people are excited about the big set pieces or the effects, but for me, it’s always about performance.”
Initially taken aback by the offer to join The Flash, as his character had his neck snapped by Superman in Man of Steel, Michael Shannon felt it was crucial to seek Zack Snyder’s approval before reprising his role as General Zod. Expressing his reservations, he said, “I was hesitant because I wasn’t really happy about what happened to Zack Snyder in that whole deal.”
Michael Shannon discussed his concerns with The Flash director, Andy Muschietti, emphasizing the importance of obtaining Snyder’s approval as he felt incomplete without it. Fortunately, Snyder was very understanding and gave the actor his blessing to continue with the film. The first full screening of The Flash took place at CinemaCon in April.
At the time, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav described The Flash as the “best superhero he had ever seen.” Despite the initial positive reception, the film has been marred by controversy due to the off-screen antics of its lead star. Ezra Miller made headlines in 2022 after being charged with harassment, burglary, and the accompanying allegations of assault and abuse.
The Flash hits theaters worldwide on June 16. The story follows Barry Allen, who uses the Speed Force to travel back in time to prevent his mother’s death. However, his joy is short-lived when the Scarlett Speedster realizes that he inadvertently created a world without metahumans. When General Zod (Michael Shannon) threatens to destroy the planet, Barry asks Supergirl and an older Batman to help.
The Flash stars Erza Miller and titular hero alongside Sasha Calle as Supergirl and Michael Shannon as General Zod. Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton reprise their roles as different versions of The Dark Knight. Despite the absence of its controversial lead in any press interviews, Miller’s performance in the film has garnered praise from everyone involved in the movie.
Meanwhile, Michael Shannon can be seen in George & Tammy on Showtime. The biographical miniseries, created by Abe Sylvia and directed by John Hillcoat, stars Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon as country music legends Tammy Wynette and George Jones. The story explores their tumultuous relationship and intertwined careers.
Following its premiere in December 2022, George & Tammy received a positive response from critics who praised the performances of Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon. For her work in the series, Chastain earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film. She won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Miniseries.
