Michael Shannon

Born:August 7, 1974

Place of Birth:Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

Michael Shannon, born on August 7, 1974, is a multi-talented American artist known for his exceptional skills as an actor, producer, musician, and theatre director. Throughout his career, Shannon has garnered critical acclaim and recognition for his diverse roles in various genres, showcasing his remarkable versatility on screen and on stage.

Shannon's career took off with his film debut in 1993's "Groundhog Day," but it was his captivating performance in "8 Mile" in 2002 that truly put him in the spotlight. From there, he went on to showcase his talent in a wide range of films, including "Pearl Harbor," "Bug," "The Iceman," "The Shape of Water," and "Knives Out," demonstrating his ability to excel in both dramatic and comedic roles with equal finesse.

One of Shannon's most notable roles was as General Zod, Superman's formidable adversary, in "Man of Steel" and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." His portrayal of this iconic comic book villain solidified his status as a versatile actor capable of bringing complex characters to life on the big screen.

In addition to his work in film, Shannon has made a significant impact on television, particularly with his role as Nelson Van Alden in the acclaimed HBO series "Boardwalk Empire." His portrayal of the morally conflicted federal agent earned him multiple award nominations and further showcased his range as an actor.

Shannon's collaboration with director Jeff Nichols has been particularly fruitful, with the actor appearing in all of Nichols' films, including "Shotgun Stories," "Take Shelter," "Mud," "Midnight Special," and "Loving." This partnership has allowed Shannon to showcase his talents in a variety of challenging and nuanced roles, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable presence in the world of cinema.

Outside of his work on screen, Shannon has also made a name for himself in the world of theater, earning a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Broadway revival of Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey into Night." His dedication to his craft and his ability to immerse himself fully in his characters have earned him the respect and admiration of audiences and critics alike.

In 2021, Shannon took on a main role in the Hulu drama miniseries "Nine Perfect Strangers," once again proving his ability to captivate audiences with his powerful performances. With a career marked by critical acclaim, award nominations, and a diverse range of roles, Michael Shannon continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

Images

Filmography

Acting

The Flash

General Zod

2023

When his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry Allen becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. In order to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry's only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?

Bullet Train

White Death

2022

Unlucky assassin Ladybug is determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug's latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives—on the world's fastest train.

Knives Out

Walt Thrombey

2019

When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Zod

2016

Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.

Man of Steel

General Zod

2013

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

12 Strong

Chief Warrant Officer Hal Spencer

2018

A team of special forces head into Afghanistan in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks in an attempt to dismantle the Taliban.

Pearl Harbor

Gooz Wood

2001

The lifelong friendship between Rafe McCawley and Danny Walker is put to the ultimate test when the two ace fighter pilots become entangled in a love triangle with beautiful Naval nurse Evelyn Johnson. But the rivalry between the friends-turned-foes is immediately put on hold when they find themselves at the center of Japan's devastating attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Bad Boys II

Floyd Poteet

2003

Detectives Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey of the Miami Narcotics Task Force are tasked with stopping the flow of the drug Ecstasy into Miami. They track the drugs to the whacked-out Cuban drug lord Johnny Tapia, who is also involved in a bloody war with Russian and Haitian mobsters. If that isn't bad enough, there's tension between the two detectives when Marcus discovers that playboy Mike is secretly romancing Marcus’ sister, Syd.

The Bikeriders

Zipco

2024

After a chance encounter, headstrong Kathy is drawn to Benny, member of Midwestern motorcycle club the Vandals. As the club transforms into a dangerous underworld of violence, Benny must choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.

8 Mile

Greg Buehl

2002

For Jimmy Smith, Jr., life is a daily fight just to keep hope alive. Feeding his dreams in Detroit's vibrant music scene, Jimmy wages an extraordinary personal struggle to find his own voice - and earn a place in a world where rhymes rule, legends are born and every moment… is another chance.

Groundhog Day

Fred

1993

A narcissistic TV weatherman, along with his attractive-but-distant producer, and his mawkish cameraman, is sent to report on Groundhog Day in the small town of Punxsutawney, where he finds himself repeating the same day over and over.

Vanilla Sky

Aaron

2001

David Aames has it all: wealth, good looks and gorgeous women on his arm. But just as he begins falling for the warmhearted Sofia, his face is horribly disfigured in a car accident. That's just the beginning of his troubles as the lines between illusion and reality, between life and death, are blurred.

The Shape of Water

Richard Strickland

2017

An other-worldly story, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962, where a mute janitor working at a lab falls in love with an amphibious man being held captive there and devises a plan to help him escape.

Nocturnal Animals

Bobby Andes

2016

Susan Morrow receives a book manuscript from her ex-husband – a man she left 20 years earlier – asking for her opinion of his writing. As she reads, she is drawn into the fictional life of Tony Hastings, a mathematics professor whose family vacation turns violent.

Revolutionary Road

John Givings

2008

A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Based on a novel by Richard Yates.

A Different Man

Michael Shannon

2024

Aspiring actor Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. But his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare, as he loses out on the role he was born to play and becomes obsessed with reclaiming what was lost.

Amsterdam

Henry Norcross

2022

In the 1930s, three friends—a doctor, a nurse, and an attorney—witness a murder, become suspects themselves and uncover one of the most outrageous plots in American history.

The End

Father

2024

Twenty-five years after environmental collapse left the Earth uninhabitable, Mother, Father and Son are confined to their palatial bunker, where they struggle to maintain hope and a sense of normalcy by clinging to the rituals of daily life—until the arrival of a stranger, Girl, upends their happy routine. As tensions rise, their seemingly idyllic existence starts to crumble.

13 Henry

2010

A naive young man assumes a dead man's identity and finds himself embroiled in an underground world of power, violence, and chance where men gamble behind closed doors on the lives of other men.

Machine Gun Preacher

Donnie

2011

The true story of Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing biker who finds God and became a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who've been kidnapped and pressed into duty as soldiers.

Jonah Hex

Doc Cross Williams

2010

Gunslinger Jonah Hex is appointed by President Ulysses Grant to track down terrorist Quentin Turnbull, a former Confederate officer determined on unleashing hell on earth. Jonah not only secures freedom by accepting this task, he also gets revenge on the man who slayed his wife and child.

Mud

Galen

2013

Two teenage boys find a fugitive hiding out on an island in the Mississippi River and help him reunite with his lover and escape an avenging family and their armed posse.

Take Shelter

Curtis LaForche

2011

Plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, a young husband and father questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself.

The Iceman

Richard Kuklinski

2012

The true story of Richard Kuklinski, the notorious contract killer and family man.

High Crimes

Troy Abbott

2002

A female attorney learns that her husband is really a marine officer awol for fifteen years and accused of murdering fifteen civilians in El Salvador. Believing her husband when he tells her that he's being framed as part of a U.S. Military cover-up, the attorney defends him in a military court.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Dex

2007

When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewelry store, the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that send them and their family hurtling towards a shattering climax.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans

Mundt

2009

Terrence McDonagh is a New Orleans Police sergeant, who receives a medal and a promotion to lieutenant for heroism during Hurricane Katrina. Due to his heroic act, McDonagh injures his back and becomes addicted to prescription pain medication. He then finds himself involved with a drug dealer who is suspected of murdering a family of African immigrants.

Kangaroo Jack

Frankie Lombardo

2003

Two childhood friends — a New York hairstylist and a wanna-be musician — get mixed-up with the mob and are forced to deliver $50,000 to Australia, but things go all wrong when the money is lost to a wild kangaroo.

Fahrenheit 451

Captain Beatty

2018

In an oppressive future, a 'fireman' whose duty is to destroy all books begins to question his task.

Bug

Peter Evans

2007

In Oklahoma, Agnes, a lonely waitress living in an isolated and dilapidated roadside motel, meets Peter, a quiet and mysterious man with whom she establishes a peculiar relationship.

Premium Rush

Bobby Monday

2012

In Manhattan, a bike messenger picks up an envelope that attracts the interest of a dirty cop, who pursues the cyclist throughout the city.

Return

Mike

2011

Back from a tour of duty, Kelli struggles to find her place in her family and the rust-belt town she no longer recognizes.

Midnight Special

Roy Tomlin

2016

A father and son go on the run after the dad learns his child possesses special powers.

The Current War

George Westinghouse

2018

Electricity titans Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse compete to create a sustainable system and market it to the American people.

Chain Reaction

D.C. Flower Delivery Man

1996

At the University of Chicago, a research team that includes brilliant student machinist Eddie Kasalivich experiences a breakthrough: a stable form of fusion that may lead to a waste-free energy source. However, a private company wants to exploit the technology, so Kasalivich and physicist Dr. Lily Sinclair are framed for murder, and the fusion device is stolen. On the run from the FBI, they must recover the technology and exonerate themselves.

Freeheld

Dane Wells

2015

New Jersey car mechanic Stacie Andree and her police detective girlfriend Laurel Hester both battle to secure Hester's pension benefits after she was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

The Night Before

Mr. Green

2015

In New York City for their annual tradition of Christmas Eve debauchery, three lifelong best friends set out to find the Holy Grail of Christmas parties since their yearly reunion might be coming to an end.

World Trade Center

Dave Karnes

2006

Two police officers struggle to survive when they become trapped beneath the rubble of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

The Woodsman

Rosen

2004

After twelve years in prison, Walter returns home. His family has abandoned him, save for his brother-in-law. Few know he's a sex offender and pedophile. Walter finds an apartment and is regularly visited by his parole officer. He gets a job at a lumber mill and starts seeing a coworker. Then his new world begins to unravel; as his past becomes known, he strikes up a high-risk friendship with a young girl and realizes that a man loitering near a schoolyard is a child molester prowling for his next victim.

She's Funny That Way

Policeman Macy's

2015

On the set of a playwright's new project, a love triangle forms between his wife, her ex-lover, and the call girl-turned-actress cast in the production.

The Runaways

Kim Fowley

2010

Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, two rebellious teenagers from Southern California, become the frontwomen for The Runaways -- the now-legendary group that paved the way for future generations of female rockers. Under the Svengali-like influence of impresario Kim Fowley, the band becomes a huge success.

Tigerland

Sgt. Filmore

2000

A group of recruits go through Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana's infamous Tigerland, last stop before Vietnam for tens of thousands of young men in 1971.

Let's Go to Prison

Lynard

2006

When a career criminal's plan for revenge is thwarted by unlikely circumstances, he puts his intended victim's son in his place by putting him in prison...and then joining him.

They Came Together

Spike

2014

A small business owner is about to lose her shop to a major corporate development.

Young Ones

Ernest Holm

2014

In a future where water is scarce, a farmer defends his land and hopes to rejuvenate his parched soil. However, his daughter's boyfriend schemes to steal the land for himself.