Michael Shannon, known for his intense on-screen persona, was not allowed to ride a motorcycle on the set of “The Bikeriders,” despite the film’s heavy focus on biking culture.
Director’s Insights on Shannon
Jeff Nichols, who directed The Bikeriders, shared some surprising revelations during his appearance on the ReelBlend podcast. One notable tidbit was that Michael Shannon, whom fans might expect to fit right in with a motorcycle gang, didn’t ride a bike at all during filming. Nichols explained it wasn’t due to any technical reasons or lack of capability but simply because Shannon wasn’t interested.
The Training Regime
The rest of the cast, including Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy, underwent extensive training to ensure their portrayals were credible. The actors learned to ride in packs and immerse themselves in the biker culture integral to the narrative. Butler, for instance, used this experience as a way to connect with his family history of motorcycle enthusiasts: My dad and grandpa both have such love of motorcycles. It was cool to sort of connect to them.
Shannon’s Unique Approach
Nichols recalled that during their discussions about the movie, Shannon’s first question was whether he would need to learn how to ride. Despite having the opportunity, it appears Shannon opted out due to personal preference. This isn’t entirely out of character for him, as Nichols noted that he didn’t even hold a driver’s license while filming Midnight Special back in 2016.
A Movie with Strong Reviews
The Bikeriders, which hit theaters recently, focuses on a group of outsiders transforming into a formidable gang. Despite Shannon’s non-participation in the riding scenes, the film has been well-received, amassing an impressive 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Overall, while some may feel Shannon’s absence from the motorcycle action could affect the film’s realism slightly, it hasn’t detracted from its success or reception thus far.
Follow Us
