Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Fassbender
How Michael Fassbender built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Michael Fassbender is a highly acclaimed German-Irish actor recognized for his versatile performances in film. He has garnered significant critical acclaim, including nominations for two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards. His talent and contributions to the film industry have solidified his position as one of Ireland's greatest film actors, as recognized by The Irish Times in 2020.
1999: Dropped out of Drama Centre
In 1999, Michael Fassbender dropped out of the Drama Centre London and toured with the Oxford Stage Company, which represents a shift in his early acting career.
2001: Role in Band of Brothers
In 2001, Michael Fassbender appeared in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, securing an early role in his acting career.
December 2003: Dracula Radio Serialisation
In December 2003, specifically between November 24th and December 5th, Michael Fassbender played Jonathan Harker in a radio serialisation of Dracula produced by BBC Northern Ireland, a notable role in his early career.
2004: Role in Hex
From 2004 to 2005, Michael Fassbender starred in the Sky One fantasy drama Hex, expanding his presence on television.
2005: Guinness Commercial
In 2005, Michael Fassbender appeared in a Guinness television commercial, The Quarrel, which won a gold medal at the FAB Awards, adding to his early acting credits.
2006: Feature Film Debut in 300
In 2006, Michael Fassbender made his feature film debut in the movie 300, marking the start of his film career.
2006: Edinburgh Festival Fringe Play
In 2006, Michael Fassbender played Michael Collins in Allegiance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, also producing and starring in a stage version of Reservoir Dogs, demonstrating his commitment to both acting and production.
2006: Role in 300
In 2006, Michael Fassbender played Stelios in the film 300, a commercially successful fantasy action movie.
February 2007: Angel Premiered at Berlin International Film Festival
In February 2007, the film Angel, in which Michael Fassbender played Esmé, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, marking another role in his developing filmography.
March 2007: Angel Premiered in Paris
In March 2007, the film Angel, featuring Michael Fassbender, premiered in Paris, following its debut at the Berlin International Film Festival.
2008: Breakthrough Role in Hunger
In 2008, Michael Fassbender gained prominence playing Bobby Sands in Hunger, winning a British Independent Film Award for his performance, marking a significant breakthrough in his career.
2008: Role in Hunger
In 2008, Michael Fassbender starred as Bobby Sands in the film Hunger, undergoing a significant physical transformation and earning a British Independent Film Award for his performance.
2009: Roles in Fish Tank and Inglourious Basterds
In 2009, Michael Fassbender appeared in the films Fish Tank and Inglourious Basterds, contributing to his rising profile in the film industry.
2009: Filming Inglourious Basterds
In 2009, prior to filming Inglourious Basterds, Michael Fassbender mentioned needing to improve his German speaking skills because "it was a bit rusty".
2010: Appearance in Jonah Hex
In 2010, Michael Fassbender appeared as Burke in the Western film Jonah Hex, though the film received negative reviews.
June 2011: Release of X-Men: First Class
In June 2011, specifically on June 3rd, X-Men: First Class, in which Michael Fassbender portrayed Magneto, was released to critical and financial success, elevating his status as a popular movie star.
2011: Breakout Year
2011 marked a breakout year for Michael Fassbender, with roles in Jane Eyre, X-Men: First Class, A Dangerous Method, and Shame. He won the Volpi Cup Best Actor Award for Shame.
2011: Comments on Jonah Hex Criticism
In 2011, Michael Fassbender responded to criticism of Jonah Hex, acknowledging its poor reception, demonstrating his awareness of his film choices' impact.
2011: Roles in Jane Eyre and A Dangerous Method
In 2011, Michael Fassbender starred in the films Jane Eyre and A Dangerous Method, continuing to establish himself as a versatile actor.
2012: Mainstream Success with X-Men and Prometheus
In 2012, Michael Fassbender achieved mainstream success playing Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto in the X-Men series and David 8 in Prometheus, solidifying his status as a popular actor.
2012: Roles in Haywire and Prometheus
In 2012, Michael Fassbender appeared in Haywire and Prometheus, receiving praise for his role as the android David 8 in Prometheus.
2013: Starring in The Counselor and 12 Years a Slave
In 2013, Michael Fassbender starred in The Counselor and 12 Years a Slave, earning an Academy Award nomination for his role in the latter.
January 2014: Filming for Macbeth Begins
In January 2014, filming began for the movie Macbeth, where Michael Fassbender played the title role alongside Marion Cotillard, marking his venture into Shakespearean adaptations.
May 2014: Release of X-Men: Days of Future Past
In May 2014, specifically on May 23rd, Michael Fassbender reprised his role as Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past, continuing his involvement in the X-Men film series.
September 2014: Filming The Light Between Oceans
In late September 2014, filming began in New Zealand for The Light Between Oceans, starring Michael Fassbender. It marked a significant project in his filmography.
2014: Starring in Frank
In 2014, Michael Fassbender starred in the film Frank, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
January 2015: Filming of Steve Jobs
In January 2015, Michael Fassbender began filming Steve Jobs in San Francisco, taking on the role of the late Apple founder.
2015: Kung Fury 2
In 2015, Fassbender appeared alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and David Hasselhoff in the comedy feature Kung Fury 2, a sequel to the 2015 short film.
2015: Starring in Macbeth and Steve Jobs
In 2015, Michael Fassbender starred in both Macbeth and Steve Jobs, demonstrating his range and ability to tackle diverse roles.
2015: Cast in The Snowman
In 2015, Michael Fassbender was cast as Harry Hole in The Snowman, the first actor to portray the character, adding another significant role to his career.
2015: Macbeth Premiered at Cannes Film Festival
In 2015, the film Macbeth, starring Michael Fassbender, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing his portrayal of the Shakespearean character.
January 2016: Filming Begins for The Snowman
In January 2016, filming began for The Snowman, where Michael Fassbender played Harry Hole, marking the start of another project.
September 2016: Release of The Light Between Oceans
On September 2, 2016, The Light Between Oceans, starring Michael Fassbender, was released. It demonstrated a key moment in his acting career.
December 2016: Release of Assassin's Creed
On December 21, 2016, Assassin's Creed, co-produced by and starring Michael Fassbender, was released. It was a significant event for his production company, DMC Film.
2016: Acted in The Light Between Oceans
In 2016, Michael Fassbender worked with Alicia Vikander in the film The Light Between Oceans.
May 2017: Debut in Ferrari Challenge
In May 2017, Michael Fassbender began racing in the Ferrari Challenge's Coppa Shell class, marking his debut at Mugello Circuit where he finished 15th. This event marked a new phase in his career, transitioning into competitive racing.
May 2017: Role in Alien: Covenant
In May 2017, Michael Fassbender reprised his role as David in Alien: Covenant, also playing another character in the film. This marked a further contribution to the science fiction genre.
October 2017: Release of The Snowman
In October 2017, The Snowman, starring Michael Fassbender as Harry Hole, was released, showcasing another addition to his filmography.
2017: Role in Alien: Covenant
In 2017, Michael Fassbender reprised his role as David in Alien: Covenant, the sequel to Prometheus, furthering his involvement in science fiction films.
2018: Ferrari Challenge North America
In 2018, Michael Fassbender competed in the full Ferrari Challenge North America schedule. He achieved a significant victory by winning the season opener at Daytona International Speedway, and finished fifth overall in the standings for the season.
2019: Role in Dark Phoenix
In 2019, Michael Fassbender reprised his role as Magneto in Dark Phoenix, marking a continuation of his involvement with the X-Men franchise. The film had an commercially unsuccessful theatrical run and received unfavorable reviews.
2021: Continued Racing with Proton Competition
In 2021, Michael Fassbender continued his racing career with Proton Competition in the European Le Mans Series. He achieved notable results, including fourth-place finishes at the Red Bull Ring and Spa-Francorchamps. He also secured his first podium finish at Portimão, finishing second.
2023: Return to Film Acting in The Killer and Next Goal Wins
In 2023, Michael Fassbender returned to film acting after a four-year absence with roles in David Fincher's The Killer and Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins. It marked a significant comeback to the screen.
2023: Starring in The Killer
In 2023, Michael Fassbender starred in the action thriller film The Killer, marking his return to acting after a hiatus.
