Michael Shannon is the type of actor to fall into any role quite well, even if it’s a small indie project or a massive blockbuster spectacle. But now, it seems like Shannon is hesitant to join another significant franchise as he’s nervous he’ll get stuck returning for multiple outings.
From turning down to Star Wars to his recent comments about his latest blockbuster The Flash, the actor keeps it candid in a new interview for Empire magazine’s print edition.
Shannon tells the outlet, “I’m always a bit wary about those giant movies. Because they take a lot of time, and I don’t find them very stimulating to work on. I don’t ever want to get stuck in a franchise.”
He continues, “I don’t find them interesting, and I don’t want to perpetuate them. If I’m making something, I want there to be some kind of purpose to it – I don’t want to make mindless entertainment. The world doesn’t need more mindless entertainment. We’re inundated with it.”
Shannon is often vocal about his feelings, even comparing his feelings crafting The Flash as opposed to something like Man of Steel. He’d return for the recent DC Studios project but claimed his latest turn as General Zod wasn’t “quite satisfying”.
While Bullet Train and The Flash are his most recent blockbusters, Shannon will appear in smaller projects like the upcoming post-apocalyptic musical The End and The Bikeriders from director Jeff Nichols.
Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, 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?
The Flash is directed by Andy Muschietti (It) and stars Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash alongside Kiersey Clemons (Iris West), Ben Affleck (Batman), Michael Keaton (Batman), Sasha Calle (Supergirl), Michael Shannon (General Zod), Antje Traue (Faora-Ul), Kiersey Clemons (Iris West), Ron Livingston (Henry Allen), and Maribel Verdu (Nora Allen).
The Flash is in cinemas now worldwide.
