Michael Shannon didn’t cut up the open road on “The Bikeriders” set … in fact, he wasn’t allowed anywhere near the bikes during filming — so says the director.
Jeff Nichols — who directed the film starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, Tom Hardy, Mike Faist and Shannon — says despite MS’ biker persona in the flick he never hopped on a motorcycle … ’cause he just wasn’t interested.
On the “Reelblend” podcast, Nichols says the actors had to go through extensive training to get up on the hogs … but, Shannon skipped out and therefore wasn’t allowed to ride.
Jeff says Michael’s first question about filming when they discussed the movie was about whether he’d have to learn to ride … something JN says he definitely could’ve done if he’d had the desire to try.
BTW … motor skills don’t seem to be in Michael Shannon’s wheelhouse — ’cause Jeff said Shannon didn’t even have a driver’s license when they made the sci-fi movie “Midnight Special” together back in 2016.
The new movie — centered on a group of outsiders who turn into a sinister gang — came out in theaters Friday … and, it’s getting strong reviews so far, amassing an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.
So, sounds like no one’s too upset Shannon didn’t hop on a bike … even if it might cut into the movie’s realism a bit.