After months of speculation and misinformation Warner Bros dropped a surprise press release this morning stating that Superman's main enemy in Zack Snyder's new Superman movie will indeed be General Zod. Zod will be played by Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road, Boardwalk Empire).
Zod is one of Superman's most dangerous enemies as he has all of Superman's powers but none of his scruples or morals. He was seen in Richard Donner's Superman and Superman II played by Terrence Stamp. Zod quickly became a fan favourite in both the comics and films.
Speculation over whether or not the main villain would be Zod has split the online community but I doubt that will rattle Snyder as the internet movie going fan is typically a fickle one and if their demands are not met, scorn is usually dealt out rather than respect for a filmmakers choices.
So far the cast list for Superman: Man of Steel is Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Superman), Michael Shannon (General Zod), Kevin Costner (Jonathan Kent), Diane Lane (Martha Kent) and Amy Adams as Louis Lane.
Man of Steel is out next year.