Michael Fassbender Breaks Down His Career, from 'Inglourious Basterds' to 'X-Men' | Vanity Fair

Michael Fassbender walks us through his legendary career, discussing his roles in 'Band of Brothers,' '300,' 'Hunger,' 'Inglorious Basterds,' 'X-Men: First Class,' 'Shame,' 'Prometheus,' '12 Years a Slave,' 'Frank,' 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' and more.
Director: Adam Lance Garcia
Director of Photography: Grant Bell
Editor: Lika Kumoi
Talent: Michael Fassbender
Producer: Funmi Sunmonu
Coordinating Producer: Sydney Malone
Line Producer: Romeeka Powell
Associate Producer: Rafael Vasquez
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi and Kevin Balash
Director, Talent : Lauren Mendoza
Camera Operator: Lucas Vilicich
Sound: Paul Cornett
Production Assistant: Lauren Boucher & Fernando Barajas
Post Production Supervisor: Christian Olguin
Post Production Coordinator: Jovan James
Supervising Editor: Erica Dillman
Additional Editor: Paul Tael
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
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[@miriam3916]

"magneto just needs a hug" understatement of the entire xmen franchise

[@gundamw3490]

😂My X men

[@Jiggy609]

The bar scene in Inglorious Basterds is ICONIC.

[@paqap]

So is the bar scene in X-Men: First Class. I guess he's just great in bar scenes.

[@definitelynosebreather]

The way the movie built up the tension in that scene was incredible. I have kind of mixed feelings about Tarantino's movies, but the way he knows how to build and release tension has been absolutely the best in this centurym

[@rvkice23]

Even to this day after ordering a beer with my arms crossed on the counter, I will double tap with one closed hand while waiting@@paqap

[@PiCheZvara]

Yeah, I remember this scene and the opening scene, but especially this one - the entire theater didn't even breathe. You could hear a pin drop, the tension was just so palpable. And you had to respect Tarantino as a director and writer here - because really it's just people sitting in a pub talking and it's done so well, you're biting your nails. Great acting too.

[@MichaelKoksharov]

@@paqap He was more successful in the second one. :)

[@agraciotti]

One of the few actors working today that elevates any film he's in.

[@camchangfilms]

Yes. There are tons of wonderful actors but only a select few can actually elevate a movies quality based on their presence alone. He’s absolutely one of them. Apocalypse is pretty much as mediocre as superhero movies get but some of his scenes fool you into thinking we’re watching a solid character drama

[@goodfella1401]

The Snowman and Assassin's Creed would dispute that

[@agraciotti]

@@goodfella1401lol. yeah...maybe these two NO ONE could elevate :D

[@kimk2459]

Agreed! X-Men Apocalypse was a crazy terrible movie yet Fassbender gives an Oscar worthy performance.

[@daddyyu-gi-oh4330]

Apt comment. I’ve always thought that, he is absolutely the best part of any film he’s in

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Its a shock they skipped over Alien: Covenant because he absolutely carried that film, his performance was so mesmerising and watching him play off of himself playing Walter and David was amazing with the sort of philosophical discussions they had, movie is hella flawed, but he was incredibly phenomenal in it.

[@thomasche]

I agree. I think that the movie is not that flawed thou.

[@robcain8865]

To this day, I'm hoping David's grand scheme gets a proper conclusion that bridges the gap to the original Alien. Unfortunately a sequel to Covenant feels unlikely and we'll have to settle with Romulus instead.

[@rorylynch7775]

He also carried apocalypse and dark Phoenix

[@doriangulyas1351]

​@@robcain8865 umm someone already filmed something in Hungary regarding an Alien film... I think they finished before the strike... but even if they are still filming, something is definitely in production.

[@mads4724]

One of my favorite movies

[@abbykate]

He should have won an Oscar for SHAME full stop.

[@CodPatrol]

W comment

[@donnabertolotti8954]

YES!!!!

[@AmedeeBoulette]

Not really. He was expertly cast and directed, and his acting was probably the best of his career. But he’s not Daniel Day Lewis.

[@LuisSierra42]

Yep, I really felt that shame through the screen

[@thehunt8936]

100%

[@michaeldrake798]

He’s too modest. You can ABSOLUTELY tell that he altered his acting in Days of Future Past to better match McKellen. Whenever an actor can keep their version of a character while simultaneously matching someone else’s performance of said same character, it really is amazing.

[@trueblue6201]

Well he was a little more focused. In First Class his Irish accent slipped out a lot in the finale.

[@SintoCarrera]

It’s really not amazing. That’s his job 🤡

[@DefenestrateYourself]

@@SintoCarrera It is amazing. And he's doing an amazing job at it, sweetheart xoxo

[@SintoCarrera]

@@DefenestrateYourself the only thing Fassbender is amazing at is beating women

[@michaeldrake798]

@@SintoCarrera so people who excel at their jobs shouldn’t be recognized? That’s how you get people who lack passion in their careers.

[@ilovecomplicated9018]

He's one of the best actors of his generation and the fact that he doesn't have at least one Oscar under his belt is beyond me but I'm glad he's focusing more on racing these days since he's so passionate about it.

[@naturestillness]

What’s this obsession with the Oscars? I don’t quite understand the references to Oscar worthy this or that. Who cares?

[@adasga]

@@naturestillness Yeah Oscar doesn't mean anything, you can have the best performance, say something that Hollywood doesn't like, and not even get nominated. Hollywood rewards who they want to reward.

[@naweedkhan1460]

@@naturestillness I watched so many incredible movies I would never even heard of if they weren’t nominated for Oscars so appreciate it for that.

[@keep_walking_on_grass]

but that Asian movie whose name I forgot, wait, Parasite? I guess so, Parasite. not so bad, but It received 5 Oscars. sure. why not 10?

[@Tawadeb]

Same with MacAvoy

[@rmaxwinters]

The fact that he's not only into heavy metal, but played in a heavy metal band has peaked my appreciation for this guy

[@s0me0ne1se]

Aaaand… he can bend heavy metal toohahaha jk

[@HMF47]

The video is 17 minutes long, but it went by really quickly. He's one of those people who could read the phone book and make it compelling, so when he goes into so much detail in his performances, it's just fascinating to listen.

[@dhruvsubramanain2117]

Could easily be 2 hours

[@keepitsecret-dl1pr]

and it was absolutely RIDDLED with ads

[@lifesbutastumble]

Ads? What ads?@@keepitsecret-dl1pr

[@batuhanaydn6201]

Well because he has amazing filmography that he talked like 1-2 minutes for most of them lol. Dude is one of the best lead actor in Hollywood easily.

[@HMF47]

@@keepitsecret-dl1pr At this point, I'm so used to KZbin ads they barely register for me.

[@master-of-mind5881]

As much as Mckellen laid the foundation for the character of magento I feel like fassbander defined it. He was absolutely riveting in his performance. He really brought a sense of gravitas to the role. He was so awesome as magneto. I loved his chemistry with mcavoy.

[@cjlewis79]

It helps that they are friends in life. Also agreed he was great in the role for sure.

[@starwarsroo2448]

McKellen was far better with his campy version, Fassbender's wasn't as well handled, not necessarily all his fault

[@nak3dxsnake]

Magento still describes the character pretty well haha

[@kojochukwuma7938]

The scene where he moves the satellite dish....WOW!! I wasn't a massive fan of First Class overall but Fassbender is flawless in it. I wish the movie was deserving of his performance.

[@alastairvanmaren5243]

He brought a kind of intensity and ferocity to young Magneto that worked really well. It's easy to see Fassbender's Magneto mellowing out with age and bitterness into McKellen's portrayal.

[@Qambar44]

Would have been interesting to see him play Bond or even a Bond villain

[@himaro101]

I think he'd make a better villain than as Bond himself. He can channel some masterfully evil moments.

[@Mungoteazer11581]

He still can be a Bond villain

[@leebush4053]

Ideal for a Bond villain

[@Blitze9792]

With that smile, definitely a Bond Villain.

[@Biscuits645]

I always thought he would have been an excellent bond.

[@originaozz]

I just realized how much of his acting is his unique voice. Most of the time he's cast as the calm and cool-headed (sometimes menacing) characters, but the way he voice each one really makes them distinct.

[@hollychavezgalleryandposts]

I noticed his natural voice sounds more like Walter than David in Alien: Covenant, too.

[@AngelMelendez]

He was brilliant in Macbeth (2015). Underrated adaptation.

[@krystann]

YES i'd forgotten about that

[@trinaq]

I love Michael's accent, it's just so smooth and charming, like him! Magneto is certainly the role that put him on the map, next to Hunger.

[@breakmynose]

He got kind eyes too

[@walkermorgan1710]

Lol yeah I want him to narrate my life

[@saoirsedeltufo7436]

@@breakmynose kind eyes, but not a kind heart (especially when it comes to domestic abuse)

[@hoya1178]

@@saoirsedeltufo7436 There is no proof that he has done that.

[@breakmynose]

@@saoirsedeltufo7436 Never heard anything about that, ig all celebs are abusers atp

[@Nosh_Feratu]

Its a shame they missed off Fish Tank, such a great film, Fassbender and the whole cast are sublime. Shame is a masterpiece!

[@cormackhotzie7874]

Yes, great movie

[@muppetb.lansing8374]

Exceptional movie that one

[@mars2803]

Came here to hear him talk about Fish Tank

[@rogerpattube]

Fish tank = yet another incredible film

[@user-kc5lv1lk7i]

Yes!!! Loved loved loved Fish Tank!

[@williamrutherford553]

So glad you talked about Frank, one of my fav performances by him.

[@failuretolunch]

It's fantastic ❤

[@PodyTheCirate]

Never heard of most of these movies outside of the box office hits but Frank stuck out to me the most. Does it hold up?

[@joshn1678]

I'd forgotten about it, such a great film though.

[@lewisblank9475]

CHINCHILLAAAAA

[@braddorcas9363]

Guy has such a presence and charisma to him. He's always a joy to watch on the screen.

[@juanevf22]

Such an underrated actor. He should have won an Oscar by now, he's amazing.

[@heloisamariani]

What about Jane Eyre? He was a GREAT Mr. Rochester and I think it’s the only adaptation of a classic novel he’s done. He’s such an amazing actor!

[@lea-anne9133]

He was brilliant as Rochester ❤

[@miki6784]

I was looking for this comment, thank you 🤗

[@miroslavarenic]

Agreed

[@indiarael1134]

Feels kinda sexist that they didn’t include it.

[@heloisamariani]

@@indiarael1134 yes! I know that not everyone watches period dramas, but still. He was great in that role and it deserved to be included. He brought a different side to Rochester and the movie is so beautiful! It’s so sad that they didn’t feel like it deserved to be included.

[@Webb0814]

The atmosphere and facial expressions of the movie “Shame” were so amazing that they were overwhelming.

[@curiousworld7912]

M. Fassbender is one of today's best actors. Two films, not included, but I felt were fine versions of the many, and in which he gave distinction to, are 2011's 'Jane Eyre', and 2015's 'Macbeth'.

[@Ghosthound_X]

One of the top best actors of today in everything he's in. I'm glad he's back with some new movies.

[@straightasanarrow3648]

He's had a brilliant career with some of the best performances in the last two decades.

[@travis_coop]

He crushed it in The Killer this year. An absolute powerhouse of an actor. Excited to see him back in films and in a David Fincher film no less.

[@ottomattix86]

Yeah watching him do yoga and wear hats so riveting.

[@davidlynch9049]

Hated the movie -it was dead boring and too slow -but loved his performance .

[@Laneous14]

@@ottomattix86 You have to watch more than 5 minutes of a movie. I know that's hard for you screen ADD.

[@Laneous14]

@@davidlynch9049 Sorry it wasn't Fast and the Furious 11.

[@freedonx]

​@@davidlynch9049 ditto... I thought it was awful and slow. Not his fault

[@KJ-je9pm]

Its amazing that actors that had small roles in Band in Brothers are superstars now more than the main cast. Like Fassbender, Simon Pegg, James McAvoy, Tom Hardy to name a few

[@kb4903]

Simon pegg - superstar? Really.

[@KJ-je9pm]

@@kb4903 Well he's been in lots of big blockbuster movies and in heaps of popular pop culture movies

[@pasta-and-heroin]

​@@kb4903 so glad you brought this up, it is extremely important that we clarify whether or not Simon Pegg is a superstar OR just an extremely successful & extremely famous actor. i know what you're thinking - maybe its just semantics - but don't worry, it was absolutely worth pointing out

[@kb4903]

Hes a successful nerd. No one sees films for him being in them.@@pasta-and-heroin

[@JacksonKillroy]

​@@kb4903"successful nerd" lol you sound like its personal for you or something.

[@SmorgasLord]

Band of Brothers had so many unknown actors who would later become famous, rewatch it, it's crazy.

[@jshshh1041]

That was heyday of cable. HBO in 2001? No streaming services. Every actor or actress was who wanted to be on screen was trying out. The best of the best

[@atlas94450]

Because of Saving Private Ryan. Cast was stacked there too. Then when people heard a WWII series was coming everyone had to be part of it. Another movie with a stacked cast, Black Hawk Down. But Brothers was crazy

[@revanchists]

Shocked me when James McAvoy appeared for a single episode only

[@bigdingus5359]

One of the great modern Irish actors. Respect to him for playing Bobby Sands in Hunger.

[@somerandolad]

Would you say you were "hungry" for more of him?

[@bigdingus5359]

@@somerandolad i would if i were chronically unfunny

[@vanshikachats]

“The core of it is “magneto just needs a hug””. Exactly what we all think.

[@rmmr1168]

Would have loved to hear him speak about Jane Eyre

[@robyqodri6170]

There are two Michaels that should've won Oscar imo Shannon and Fassbender.

[@TheJaker5]

He was magnetic in Inglorious Basterds (pun intended 🙃) but he instantly became one of my favorite actors in 12 Years a Slave. He was so despicable and perfect in that role!

[@WJstudios04]

My first movie with him was Centurion back in 2010, been a fan ever since

[@ia3241]

Ooohhh I adore that movie!!

[@jermainehaslam5634]

One of the best actors of this modern era

[@Heywoodjablome1964]

His performance in Eden Lake shook me. His agony felt so real

[@mattd1659]

That ending is so bleak

[@DMalltheway]

@@mattd1659The guys at the end of the movie were all arrested, their blood and DNA at the crime scene, they would’ve been all in the slammer.

[@silverphantom88]

That movie is so sad.

[@ninajohnson8389]

He's amazing in that!!

[@psytrancedj]

I'm glad someone praised that film and his performance in it. It's definitely not a movie for everyone. One of the most intense horror films I've seen with a bleak and tragic ending.

[@ItsJessEdits]

Can't believe the 2011 Jane Eyre wasn't brought up. His and Mia's chemistry in that film is unmatched.

[@nicktroisi6347]

One of my favourite actors of all time. Magneto and David are my favourite roles of his. Two vastly different characters yet somewhat similar. Two outsiders on different paths, one you can feel sorry for and one who you can be terrified of

[@Nancy-sf2pl]

This is the most I’ve heard him talk outside of his movies

[@shieraseastar9300]

He's such a humble guy, talking about his directors instead of focusing solely on his own performances. My favorite of his films is The Light Between Oceans with his (then future) wife Alicia Vikander. Both wonderful actors!

[@JB19504]

Vikander was great in Machina.

[@erichsen07]

I love his voice, articulation, so clean and sounds cool

[@Aman-nk5uq]

Yess. That's how an actor should sound. Unreal

[@masterjas2]

I can't believe I'm only now learning he was in "300". That scene is iconic and it's so noticeable.

[@darkangel15221]

Not surprisingly that he has the best line in the film, "Then we will fight in the shade....."

[@buttkissery2k]

I’m SO HAPPY that y’all didn’t overlook his part in Band of Brothers ❤ loved that series when I was a teenager and still do as an adult

[@Fonejackerjim]

One of the best actors of his generation, pretty much steals the show in every movie he’s in.

[@ChairmanMeow1]

Gifted actor. dont forget Alien Covenant and Prometheus, in which he carries the entire movie almost singlehandedly, especially Covenant!

[@hoover728]

He talks about Prometheus...

[@TrueBagPipeRock]

LOVED Prometheus, but did not care for Covenant at all. Weird how that worked out. Prometheus was great

[@lalalalalala6367]

Wonderful to hear his explanations for each of the memorable characters that he has played. Something about the way he objectively goes into the details that went to each of his characters. Riveted listening to him.

[@YungWetto666]

His performance in Prometheus was incredible. He played a humanoid robot so well to me, almost really made you believe he wasn’t real yet real at the same time. I wasn’t a fan of Covenant’s story but he was great in that too.

[@failuretolunch]

Inglorious Basterds was brilliant

[@EMMYK1916]

Have you seen Hunger? He's excellent in it. True story too.

[@kingofswing3000]

That he says they wrote him "a sweet response" about his Pearl Harbor audition means a lot. Nobody -- especially a nobody -- ever hears back if they aren't cast. Usually their agent will fluff with, "They went another way." Getting a note really speaks to his talent.

[@AceX47]

I'm not exaggerating when I'm saying that by my opinon Fassbender is our generation equivalent of Jack Nicholson performer. Can't wait for his leading role Oscar speeach one of this days.

[@ririsasy]

Have been following his career for so long he never disappointed

[@wc999]

hes so underrated within the industry hope he gets a lot more big roles before he retires

[@turbofairfield]

He's such a solid actor and willing to try all genres. Much respect. Eden Lake was terrific as well.

[@TheTishy44]

He was my favorite character in the X-men.

[@eddiecardwell]

Him and James McAvoy stole every scene. No one compared to them in those films.

[@rorylynch7775]

Just sucks how bad Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix were

[@kennynelson2269]

My absolute favorite actor on earth.. just a badass

[@tamasbrenyo1348]

One of the best active actors alongside with Bale, Dicaprio, Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, Cilian Murphy

[@phoenyxpetersen4551]

Should have won an Oscar for Steve Jobs. One of the best films ever and a breathtaking performance!

[@shaikaftab1199]

Yes.

[@dorota1504]

He has such charisma on screen. He might have only 8 lines of dialog in '300', but he completely stole the movie for me.

[@rebeccag8589]

I'm not surprised they didn't include it, because it wasn't a pivotal moment in his career and it's not particularly famous, but one of my favorite films and favorite Fassbender performances is in Fish Tank.

[@MichaelFassbinder-bk9pk]

Hello thanks for your love and support how long have you been my fan do you have your fan membership card or don't have

[@kipperbill]

I am taken aback by how he talks in this video. One of my favorite actors to talk about his career on youtube

[@williamlafrance8654]

Really Surprised they didn't include Macbeth. He was EXCELLENT in that movie.

[@definitelynosebreather]

I'll always be drawn to these reflective and introvert actors. They put so much thought in their acting, it's almost as if the acting was just a consequence of the thought they put in before the cameras started to roll.

[@Gettingbento]

Fassbender is an exceptional actor and perfect cast for Magneto. Personally, I hope he comes back 🧲

[@joshn1678]

Absolutely one of my favorite actors of all time. He just clearly needs a better agent, because he just does not get the roles he should get.

[@joeylaird77]

I remember seeing him in Hunger and leaving the cinema mesmerized. I’ve watched everything he’s in ever since.

[@lucasm3879]

The Snowman?

[@TherealHK-47]

Hands down one of my favorite modern actors

[@prezidenttrump5171]

Genuinely one of the greatest actors of all time. Everything I see him in is absolutely captivating. He is the reason why people watch movies, he transports you into another world and lives his characters.

[@VonRammsteyn]

I loved before because of his preformances and now that i know he was a heavy metal guitar player, i love him even more!

[@dylanchristensen3072]

He played my great uncle in band of brothers

[@annamolly6833]

My favorite actor of all times! Always, no matter what :)

[@ghicarobert2460]

OMG , i just rewatched Band of Brothers few weeks ago and in that series he was sooooo young, watching him now panics me cuz the time fly by so fast. Stay safe guys all the best to you

[@simonfarrell6585]

The killer is an incredible performance. I watched it twice recently and could easily watch again

[@mo_musashi_284]

Definitely see him playing a great lead in a True Detective season.

[@animatorFan74]

Such an awesome actor..... seeing him get essentially a Magneto origin story was really cool...... wish we could see a full movie of that :)

[@teaganmartinez2961]

He’s iconic as Steve Jobs ❤

[@kapatiran07]

i just noticed myself ive finished watching the whole ofthis without skipping. fassbender just delighting in this interview

[@boat1280]

He could have been such a great bond when he was younger

[@kellyharper8072]

Could still do it IMO

[@justbreathe_]

He’s 46. Not a bad age for Bond

[@djnkosi]

Easily one of my favorite actors. Amazing talent. We need a new Fassbender / McQueen movie ASAP!!

[@RedRosesDead07]

What a beautiful human... creative, talented, eloquent, and gorgeous.

[@peacewalker17776]

Been waiting to see this one!

[@OdinWhiteHair]

Pardon the pun but Fassbender just has that certain magnetism too him that just shows in his films. Small or Large it doesn't matter, he's one the best around.

[@andrewshaver8546]

The Killer is immediately underrated. I found it incredibly curious and enthralling.

[@TheoInart]

I met him whilst working in Los Angeles, we were both staying at the same hotel! he was lovely to me & appreciated my complement on his career and craftsmanship 🤍

[@sosofilms6514]

Still think his performance for Andrea Arnold’s Fish Tank is worth mentioning more than few others)) Shame was great and Hunger too

[@hasanalmaliki1633]

The most underrated actor at the moment.... he never miss

[@tomgebarowski8156]

This guy will hopefully stick around & get an Oscar nod in the future. A bold gutsy terrific actor, always an intense prescence in a variety of roles/films.

[@sonyabunkum6212]

He is still young enough for bond.😊

[@fridastwin]

Brilliant!! Wish this would happen! He’s perfect for the role❤

[@freakshow1010]

Crazy how many great actors Hollywood has been gifted. Fassbender is one of the greats.

[@rigsby1454]

Best supporting for Inglorious. That scene is amazing

[@Lamq555]

MY MAGNETO

[@samvojtech1153]

One of the best actors of my generation! I get goosebumps when I watch Prometheus because perhaps, one day David may be a reality.

[@Fhoebys16]

He is absolutely magnificent. He just has a face that is capable of expressing so much.

[@Puddledrowner22]

He was so awesome as Magneto

[@rorylynch7775]

Just sucks how terrible Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix were

[@kj6446]

the best James Bond that never was

[@MrPerthglory]

Shame they didn’t discuss Centurion. One of my favourite fassbender movies. Great cast. Highly recommend it to anyone that hasn’t seen it.

[@isaacl6402]

One of my favorite actors of all time I don’t even know why just love his aura

[@casualgamerr889]

I want to see his character arc come to an end for David!

[@danielglassman303]

This guy is literally so awesome

[@BirdyHTID]

I would like to see him as the next james bond, he's such a talented actor

[@joshuaflete3252]

One thing sure about Fassbender: Dude really knows how to make AWESOME bar scenes

[@Emulator_Crossing]

Always super charismatic in every scene, hard to not look on him when he is on screen.

[@james7ch]

One of my favorite actors! Embodied Magneto magnificently! 👌