Harsh Vardhan
Michael Shannon is a versatile and critically acclaimed actor whose career has spanned over three decades. Born on August 7, 1974, in Lexington, Kentucky, Shannon made his first notable appearance in the film industry with a small role in the 1993 comedy-drama ‘Groundhog Day.’ However, it was his intense and captivating performances in independent films and theater that propelled him to stardom. One of his breakthrough roles came in 2008 when he portrayed the mentally unstable John Givings in ‘Revolutionary Road,’ earning him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Throughout his career, Shannon has consistently delivered remarkable performances in a wide range of films, including ‘Take Shelter’ (2011), ‘Man of Steel’ (2013), ‘Nocturnal Animals’ (2016), and ‘The Shape of Water’ (2017). Throughout his career, Shannon has also been recognized with several prestigious awards, including a nomination for the Tony Award for his work in theater, making him a prominent figure in both the stage and screen realms. Additionally, Shannon has received numerous accolades for his work on stage, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
With his distinctive presence and incredible acting prowess, Michael Shannon continues to be a dominant force in both the independent and mainstream film industries, leaving an indelible mark on cinema and earning recognition from audiences and critics alike. Recently, he made a striking return as the iconic General Zod in ‘The Flash.’ If that left you eager for more of his work, here’s a glimpse of his upcoming projects to look forward to.
1. Death by Lightning (2025)
This Netflix series, created by Mike Makowsky, is currently in its post-production stage. Based on the novel ‘Destiny of the Republic’ by Candice Millard, ‘Death by Lightning’ will retell the story of the rise of the 20th of U.S. President James Garfield and his assassination by his admirer Charles Guiteau. The series will star Shannon, who will play President Garfield, and Matthew Macfadyen, who will play Guiteau. We also have Nick Offerman, who will play Chester Arthur (the 21st U.S. President), and Betty Gilpin, who will play Crete Garfield, wife of President Garfield. Matt Ross has been roped in to direct all the episodes. ‘Death by Lightning’ will be released in 2025.
2. Eric Larue (TBA)
Directed by Michael Shannon, ‘Eric Larue’ is an exploration of the mental states of a mother and father whose son is in prison for killing three of his classmates. The son Eric (Nation Sage Henrikson) is not there for most of the film, and we only see how his mother, Janice (Judy Greer), and father, Ron (Alexander Skarsgård), process their child’s actions. It is through this that the viewers feel the presence of Eric, which is disturbing, to say the least. As the two parents opt for different religious paths to cope with the grief, their relationship takes a hit.
While the film is Shannon’s directorial debut, the way he puts it on screen, based on the screenplay by Brett Neveu, who also wrote the play of the same name back in 2002 in response to the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, makes it clear that Shannon had a clear view of what he wanted to show. He won the Breakthrough Director Award at the 2023 Denver International Film Festival for it. While ‘Eric Larue’ had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and was shown at the Chicago International Film Festival and Denver Film Festival, it has yet to be released for the general audience.
3. Dead Guy (TBA)
Written and directed by Courtney J. Camerota, who will thus be debuting as a director, ‘Dead Guy’ is a dark comedy that tells the story of how the residents and workers of a building start passing the body of an elderly rude man, also a resident, after he passes away not to be blamed or linked to the death. Does this mean that the death occurred under mysterious circumstances? Or was he killed by a resident? We will get the answers once the film is released. The film’s cast includes Shannon, Eva Longoria, Judy Greer, Rory Culkin, Luis Guzmán, Curtis Armstrong, Ashley Reyes, and Richard Ellis. It is currently in its post-production phase, and we have yet to get a release date.
4. Nuremberg (TBA)
The cast members revealed for this James Vanderbilt-helmed historical drama are Shannon, Rami Malek, Russell Crowe, Richard E. Grant, Lotte Verbeek, Wrenn Schmidt, and John Slattery. Based on Jack El-Hai’s book ‘The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,’ it will throw light on the Nuremberg trials of 1946 (post World War II) wherein Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, to be played by Shannon, served as the chief prosecutor. American psychologist Douglas Kelley (Malek) was given the responsibility to carry out a psychological evaluation of the Nazi prisoners for their war crimes. The results would decide their fate, i.e., whether they are fit for trial. Russel Crowe will play the role of Hermann Göring, one of Adolf Hitler’s closest, whom Kelley finds to be a tough nut to crack. The cast also includes Leo Woodall, Colin Hanks, and Lydia Peckham. No release date has been announced yet, although post-production is complete.
5. McCarthy (TBA)
‘McCarthy’ is an eagerly awaited upcoming historical biographical drama that delves deep into the life of the influential U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy. Directed by Václav Marhoul and written by Tom O’Connor, this film offers a personal and nuanced perspective on the enigmatic former politician, who garnered fame as a leading figure behind the anti-communist and anti-homosexual political fervor that swept the United States during the Cold War era.
In this thought-provoking portrayal, Michael Shannon takes on the titular role of Joseph McCarthy, and he’s joined by an impressive ensemble cast including Emilia Clarke, Dane DeHaan, and Scoot McNairy. As the project advances through its pre-production phase, audiences can anticipate a compelling exploration of a pivotal figure in American history. Stay tuned for further updates on ‘McCarthy’ as it continues to take shape.
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