Ridham Vashishth
With his compelling screen presence and versatility, Michael Fassbender has cemented his place as a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment. The Irish-German actor began his journey in the acting realm with notable appearances in the BBC One show ‘Hearts and Bones’ and the Tom Hanks-produced World War II miniseries ‘Band of Brothers.’ However, his heart-wrenching portrayal of IRA leader Bobby Sands in ‘Hunger’ truly skyrocketed his name in the industry. From there, his choice of roles displayed his sheer versatility.
Fassbender dazzled as the charismatic Erik Lehnsherr AKA Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ movies and took on the mantle of the tech icon Steve Jobs with ease. His unforgettable act in ’12 Years a Slave’ further elevated his stature, bagging him high praise and an Oscar nomination. Fassbender’s knack for deeply connecting with his characters has continuously left audiences mesmerized and craving more of his work. With such a track record, it’s only natural to be excited about what’s next for this gifted actor. Here’s a peek into the upcoming ventures of Michael Fassbender in both movies and television.
1. Kneecap (2024)
‘Kneecap’ is a biographical drama, written and directed by Rich Peppiatt, which tells the story of the controversial Irish rap group Kneecap. Addressed as an anti-establishment comedy, the film explores the rise of the group and the controversies it is involved in and stars Fassbender along with real-life Kneecap members Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí. the film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in January and is expected to release later in 2024.
2. Kung Fury 2 (2024)
‘Kung Fury 2’ is an upcoming martial arts comedy film directed and co-written by David Sandberg. This film is a sequel to his 2015 featurette ‘Kung Fury.’ Set in 1985, Miami is safeguarded by Kung Fury and his Thundercops, an elite police force assembled from various epochs to vanquish the nefarious Kung Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler. However, when a Thundercop tragically dies, the team disbands. As a new enigmatic villain emerges to assist the Fuhrer in acquiring the ultimate weapon, Kung Fury must traverse space and time to rescue his comrades, protect the esteemed Miami Kung Fu Academy, and vanquish malevolence once and for all.
Michael Fassbender takes on the role of Colt Magnum, Kung Fury’s new partner. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including David Sandberg reprising his role as Kung Fury, Arnold Schwarzenegger as the President, Alexandra Shipp as Rey Porter, a journalist with intricate ties to Fury, Jorma Taccone portraying Adolf Hitler, also known as Kung Fuhrer, and David Hasselhoff lending his voice to Hoff 9000, a member of Fury’s squad capable of transforming into a vehicle. As of now, the film is complete, and awaiting a release date.
3. Night Boat to Tangier (TBA)
‘Night Boat to Tangier’ is an upcoming drama film based on Kevin Barry’s 2019 novel of the same name, which has been recognized as a New York Times top 10 book of the year. It is helmed by the Oscar-winning director James Marsh, known for his work on ‘Man on Wire’ and ‘The Theory of Everything.’ The narrative revolves around two professional criminals from Cork — Charlie and Maurice. These characters find themselves in Spain, searching for Maurice’s missing daughter. The entire narrative unfolds within a Spanish port over a span of 24 hours.
During this time, the duo reminisce about their days smuggling Moroccan hashish through Spain into Ireland. The film promises to delve deep into themes of love and tenderness, juxtaposed against the backdrop of macho posturing and violence. Michael Fassbender takes on the role of Maurice, while Domhnall Gleeson portrays Charlie. Ruth Negga, an Oscar-nominated actress, will be seen as Cynthia, the mastermind behind the criminal operations of Charlie and Maurice. Kevin Barry himself has adapted the screenplay, ensuring the essence of the novel is captured on screen. The film is expected to make its big-screen debut sometime in 2024.
4. Hope (TBA)
‘Hope’ is an upcoming thriller film directed by Na Hong-jin, marking his first film since the critically acclaimed ‘The Wailing’ in 2016. The narrative revolves around the residents of Hopo Port, where an enigmatic discovery on the outskirts of this secluded harbor town sets off a chain of events. Before long, the inhabitants find themselves in a dire battle for survival against an unprecedented threat. Michael Fassbender is set to star in this largely Korean-language film alongside Alicia Vikander, Fassbender’s talented wife and an Oscar-winning actress, elevating the film’s international appeal.
While the exact nature of both Fassbender and Vikander’s roles remains undisclosed, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast. Award-winning Korean actors Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and HoYeon Jung, a breakout star from Netflix’s ‘Squid Game,’ are part of the project. Hwang is slated to portray a village police officer, while Zo will assume the character of a young hunter.
The film is further enriched by the involvement of cinematographer Hong Kyungpyo, celebrated for his work on the Oscar-winning ‘Parasite.’ Currently in pre-production, ‘Hope’ is set to commence filming in Korea later this year. The anticipation surrounding this project is palpable, given the director’s previous successes and the ensemble of talented actors.
5. The Department (TBA)
Fassbender is the only revealed cast member of this Paramount-backed espionage thriller series that has George Clooney as one of its executive producers. The series is based on the hit French spy series ‘The Bureau,’ created by Eric Rochant, which follows a French Secret Services agent who returns home after six years but has trouble adapting to his new/old life while coping with his false identity and an illicit affair, a struggle that turns into a double game between the French Secret Services and the CIA. The series is expected to explore the psychology of spies, geopolitical themes, and how the two are connected. It will be directed by Joe Wright and has been adapted by Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth. Currently in its pre-production stage, ‘The Department’ will begin filming in London this spring and is yet to receive a release date.
6. Black Bag (TBA)
A star-studded spy thriller helmed by Steven Soderbergh, ‘Black Flag’ has reached its pre-production stage. Starring Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Pierce Brosnan, and Naomie Harris, the film has been written by David Koepp. While the plot is under wraps, we do know that it is set in the United Kingdom. More details about this interesting project are awaited.
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