Michael Fassbender Admits There Is One Movie He Wishes He Never Made

Michael Fassbender is an actor who has never shied away from the most demanding and intense roles in modern cinema. Whether he is portraying the complex origins of the Marvel villain Magneto or a meticulous corporate icon.

He consistently brings a grounded integrity to his performances. This ability to anchor even the most dramatic or operatic characters in reality has made him a favorite among prestigious directors and mainstream audiences alike.

He is particularly known for his mastery of subtle behavioral details, a skill that was on full display in his portrayal of the Apple co-founder in Steve Jobs. In that film, he expertly navigated the various stages of the innovator’s life, moving from a soft-spoken public persona to an explosive, short-tempered private reality. This commitment to the spirit of a character, rather than just a physical imitation, allowed the performance to truly resonate on screen.

However, even an actor of his caliber has faced significant hurdles, most notably with the 2016 release of Assassin’s Creed. Despite the massive global popularity of the video game franchise, the film was a critical and commercial disappointment. Fassbender, who also served as a producer on the project, has since looked back on the movie as a missed opportunity to create something more engaging.

Reflecting on the film’s flaws, he noted that he would have made the experience more entertaining if given a second chance. He admitted that the production likely took itself too seriously and suffered from a pacing issue, specifically mentioning that having three beginnings was a narrative error. He believed the movie should have reached the core action much faster to satisfy both fans and casual viewers.

This struggle highlights a common issue with video game adaptations, where directors often try to over-explain the world to ground it in reality. This approach can often drain the fun out of the source material, replacing unique game mechanics with standard action tropes. Fortunately, the industry has recently moved toward a more playful tone, as seen with the success of films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Fassbender did not allow the setback to derail his career, quickly returning to established franchises like X-Men and Alien. His experience with the guild of assassins served as a valuable lesson in the delicate balance of tone and pacing required for high-concept blockbusters. He has since shifted his focus back to the gritty, character-driven thrillers that first made him a household name.

Michael Fassbender is currently enjoying a major career resurgence following a brief hiatus to pursue professional auto racing. He starred in the high-stakes spy series The Agency, where he plays a CIA agent alongside heavyweights like Richard Gere and Jeffrey Wright. He is also receiving praise for his role in Steven Soderbergh’s thriller, Black Bag, which features a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett and Marisa Abela.

Looking ahead, Fassbender is set to appear in the highly anticipated Korean sci-fi action film Hope, directed by Na Hong-jin and co-starring his wife, Alicia Vikander. The project, which involves an alien arrival in a remote village, is expected to be a major summer blockbuster later this year. Additionally, he has been cast as Joe Kennedy Sr. in a new Netflix prestige drama titled Kennedy, which will explore the rise of the famous American political dynasty.

Do you think video game movies should try to be dark and realistic, or would you prefer they embrace the more “silly” and colorful elements of their source material? Share your thoughts in the comments.