Michael Shannon cast as ‘Superman’ villain Gen Zod

London: American actor Michael Shannon has been cast as the villain in the upcoming ‘Superman’ film.

Shannon, who received an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in `Revolutionary Road` two years ago, will play General Zod opposite British actor Henry Cavill, who is the ‘Man of Steel’ in the new film. Amy Adams has been cast as Lois Lane. The Zod character appeared in two of Christopher Reeve``s ‘Superman’ movies, 1978``s ‘Superman’ and the 1980 sequel ‘Superman II’, where Terence Stamp played him. Like Superman, he comes from the planet Krypton. "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,” the Telegraph quoted Zach Snyder, the director of the new film, as saying. "Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role," he added. Others signed to the new Superman film include Diane Lane and Kevin Costner, who will play Clark Kent``s parents Martha and Jonathan Kent. ANI