Michael Shannon threw himself into a strict diet and exercise regime for his villain role in the upcoming Superman movie, revealing he's "never put this much effort into fitness" for a part.
The Revolutionary Road star has been cast as General Zod, opposite British hunk Henry Cavill as the young superhero, in Superman: Man Of Steel.
The blockbuster is set to hit screens next year (12), and Shannon worked hard to get in shape for the role.
He tells Britain's Total Film magazine, "I've definitely never put this much effort into fitness for a part.
"I've never even considered it part of my job. It's not even a cosmetic thing, like I need to have a six pack.
"It's pretty intimidating to say, 'I'm a General'. They're all just very fit. I don't even know what it's like to feel like a private."
But before we see Shannon in Superman he will lead the cast in Take Shelter - a movie that is already winning over the critics.
Man of Steel is released 14th June 2013.
Tagged in Michael Shannon Superman