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His latest venture, ‘The Agency’, is set to premiere on November 29 on Paramount Plus with Showtime. In this series, Fassbender portrays Martian, a seasoned CIA agent who must reconcile his past life in London with the personal and professional challenges that arise from his undercover career. This role exemplifies Fassbender's continued dedication to nuanced and multifaceted characters.
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Speaking to 'Forbes', he said: "You know, it just sort of came to me at the beginning of the year and I’d seen the original series. When I was watching that - it was back in 2020 or 2019 - I loved it. It’s rare that that happens to me. I thought - Well, I wonder what I could do with that character. Then literally four years later, David Glasser from 101 [Studios] sort of approached my agent and said, 'We’ve got this remake happening.' I got sent the scripts and I just loved the intelligence of it. I love the world already from the original series - the idea of what it takes to work in this line of work, what sort of people are attracted to it and what’s the evolution of a person through a 20-year career in that field."
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In ‘The Agency’, Fassbender's character, “Martian”, faces a personal and professional crisis, navigating relationships with loved ones and a romantic interest developed during his undercover work. The series is directed by Joe Wright, with Paramount backing the project, ensuring a high-quality production. Fassbender's co-star, Jodie Turner-Smith, praised his compelling performance, stating, “I loved just watching him. I would literally be going to the monitor after his takes, just watching him on-screen."
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Fassbender's involvement in ‘The Agency’ extends beyond acting, as he also serves as an executive producer. This role allows him to explore other facets of filmmaking, from directing to editing. "It’s all about just learning," he remarked, reflecting on his desire to understand the entire creative process. This venture is part of a broader career evolution that began with the establishment of his production company in 2007. Fassbender's commitment to learning and growth is evident in his willingness to take on new challenges and expand his skill set.
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"Well, it’s all about just learning - getting the opportunity to get into other facets of what I’m doing. So, whether that means we continue doing this series, will I get behind the camera and direct a little bit, get into the edit - and just get more of an understanding of the whole process. I’ve been a producer on quite a few things. I set up my own production company back in 2007. So, it’s always just about learning - the opportunity to be a part of something."
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His dedication to achieving authenticity through physical discipline has made him a standout in roles that require significant emotional and physical endurance, showcasing a commitment to his craft that goes beyond just learning lines. Every one of his performances can be studied by those coming up in the art.
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As his career progressed, Fassbender’s portfolio expanded to include a variety of genres. From portraying historical figures to engaging in intimate dramas, he proved that his skills were not confined to any one genre. His portrayal of complex individuals, often marked by a mix of charm, vulnerability, and internal conflict, has made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood and beyond. Fassbender’s characters, like "Brandon," a man struggling with addiction and self-destruction, have been praised for their depth and authenticity, establishing him as an actor who is not afraid to explore dark or challenging material.
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Fassbender’s versatility also extends to his work behind the camera, as he has shown interest in both producing and directing, expanding his influence in the film industry. Despite his success, he continues to choose roles that challenge him, avoiding typecasting and embracing projects that allow him to take risks.
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His career remains defined by a willingness to evolve, whether playing the cold and calculating "Steve Jobs" or tackling a role that requires an intense, raw emotional journey. With every new project, Fassbender demonstrates his ability to surprise and captivate audiences, solidifying his place among the most talented actors of his generation.
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"I also want to find the balance that I can work and also be at home. With Alicia working, as well - that she gets the opportunity to work. We try and balance it where one of us is at home, while the other works. So, just finding that happy balance and then not overthinking too many things. That’s always been the way - just getting scripts in and responding to them, and finding the projects that I find interesting. Of course, as you sort of go through the years, various things are going to have more interest or less - but always, I’ve tried to do different things and try not to re-visit projects or characters I may have done before," he says.
Michael Fassbender, known for his diverse roles, delves into a new character in ‘The Agency.’ The Paramount Plus series showcases his talent as both an actor and executive producer, offering a fresh perspective on his evolving career.
Over the last twenty years, Michael Fassbender has carved out a unique niche in Hollywood, with roles that range from the iconic “Magneto” in the ‘X-Men’ films to the complex android “David” in ‘Prometheus’.