General Zod (outline in the clouds - Michael Shannon) and Faora (Kryptonian female serial killer from the older comics - Antje Traue) are the main villains. Faora was toned down considerably (!) and renamed Ursa in the Richard Donner films. The storyline takes major cues from the series Superman: Birthright.
Henry Cavill looks too much like Johnny Knoxville in the face. It's not really his fault but I kind of think I'm going to be thinking of that all the way through the movie.
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The "Bug" actor almost didn't make the "Mud" shoot, though, because of his strict commitments as General Zod in the new Superman flick "Man of Steel." Shannon admitted to having a blast on set, and talked highly of both Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill. "Henry is a fantastic Superman, he’s got a little edge to him and he’s smart, clever and I had fun working with him," Shannon stated, but his greatest compliments were for his director. "I think Zack is the master stylist, visually, I mean he’s up there with Scorsese in my book in terms of visual composition, orchestration, etc." Certainly not a bad filmmaker to be compared to. He also confirmed that "the whole thing is edgy in a way like when Nolan took over the Batman franchise," something that was expected when originally announced but has been somewhat doubtful in some camps, no thanks to the tragic "Sucker Punch."
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And while filming at Edwards Air Force Base in California Henry Cavill took time out to sign autographs & get on with the troops -