Michael Shannon is mostly known from his recurring role as Nelson Van Alden in HBO's Golden Globe winning series "Boardwalk Empire". Even so, he's been grazing the big screen since 1992 starting from TV movies. His famous works to mention are "Vanilla Sky", "The Photographer", "8 Mile", "Revolutionary Road", and "The Runaways". He is now filming for drama feature "The Iceman", along with James Franco, Benicio del Toro, and Elias Koteas.
Edgar Ramirez also has started his career in the 90s, starring in Spanish television movies and series. Hollywood and movie mania began to know him as he starred in Tony Scott's action flick "Domino" where Keira Knightley and Mickey Rourke also played. He also gained more attention as he got supporting roles in more action hits "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "Vantage Point". He is now currently filming "Clash of the Titans" sequel, "Wrath of the Titans", playing the God of war Ares.
I think Shannon and Ramirez are great candidates to play Superman's main villain, judging from their resumes. It is still unofficial whether General Zod will be the villain, but knowing the facts that this Snyder's version is a 'reboot', then it's still possible. "Superman: Man Of Steel" will come to theatres in 2012.
