In 1977, filmmaker George Lucas introduced the world to the Star Wars universe. It was the first time anyone had seen (or heard) a lightsaber. The first time audiences jumped to hyperspace, heard a wookie, and learned what a blaster was. Star Wars changed film as we know it. The films, and the entire universe, have now become a large part of many people’s lives. It’s been almost 50 years since Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope was released, but the franchise remains as popular as ever. Disney is continuing to make more movies, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has opened at both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
While many actors would kill for the chance to be in a Star Wars movie, one actor actually turned down a role. Michael Shannon, who has appeared in hit films like Revolutionary Road and The Shape of Water, admitted that he did not want to become a part of the iconic franchise. He went so far as to say that he is “wary” to work on big blockbuster movies. He said that he doesn’t find the work “very stimulating” and they take a long time to make.
Shannon sat down and spoke with Empire magazine, where he talked about turning down the role.
“I don’t ever want to get stuck in a franchise. 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.”
It should be noted that Shannon just appeared once again as General Zod in the new DC superhero movie The Flash. The Flash is not only a summer blockbuster, but is also part of a franchise. However, Shannon said that playing Zod is different from playing characters in other franchises.
“It’s basically looking at a civilisation that destroyed their own planet and think the solution is to go off and destroy another. When you hear that hypothetically, if we destroy the Earth, we might go live on Mars — it’s the same thing. I didn’t look at Zod as a villain. I just saw him as a guy whose job is to protect his people.”
Shannon has said that he originally took on the role of General Zod in Man of Steel because he thought it was a one-and-done movie. However, The Flash takes place in an alternate timeline, so his character could be brought back. He did admit that it is unlikely he will play General Zod again. Shannon has been in more than 100 films and television shows, but has not worked closely with The Walt Disney Company.
