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Veteran actor Terence Stamp has credited a spiritual pilgrimage to India for his success as intergalactic villain General Zod in the Superman sequel.
The 74 year-old is the arch-enemy of Krypton’s famous son, who is being brought back to the big screen in the hotly-anticipated Man of Steel.
The role so chillingly portrayed by Stamp has been filled by Oscar-nominated Michael Shannon and his predecessor has revealed the odd tale that led to stardom.
Stamp, the star of cult hit Priscilla Queen of the Desert, had been out of work for years before he was called upon for Superman II in 1977 and made the catchphrase ‘Kneel before Zod’ famous.
While spending time in the acting wilderness he went on a journey of self-discovery living the Ashram cultural and spiritual life in India.
The experience was retold in a British Film Institute special called ‘Ask the Actor: Terence Stamp’ on Youtube.
The distinguished thespian said: “The point of the ashram was that we were encouraged to stay aware as much as possible.
“I had been living in that sort of ambience for about a year when the General Zod part came up.
“On that day when I went on the set to meet them, including Marlon which was a huge moment for me, I had a huge feeling that I was more awake than everybody else.
“In comparison to how focused I was, everyone seemed half asleep so I didn’t need any preparation.
“I thought, I’ll just play this role as though I’m in the Ashram.”
The Tudors star Henry Cavill has put on the famous red and blue suit and Man of Steel, directed by 300’s Zack Snyder, also stars Kevin Costner and Laurence Fishburne.
The film goes on nationwide release on 14th June.