Michael Fassbender, who returns as CIA agent Martian in season two of the spy thriller The Agency, has opened up about his obsessive preparation and the surprising trait he shares with real spies. The 49-year-old actor and professional racing driver leads a double life, but he admits that being a sociopath might be necessary for a real spy.
The Sociopath Revelation
While researching his role, Fassbender spoke to a former intelligence officer who revealed that a successful spy often exhibits sociopathic traits. "That was a real gateway into the character for me," Fassbender said. Sociopaths, clinically diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, show persistent disregard for others' rights and feelings, lacking empathy or remorse. The actor went through a list of characteristics with the spy and found that his character, Martian, ticked many boxes.
The Agency Season 2 Plot
In season two, Martian, whose real name is Brandon Colby, faces escalating stakes. After being forced to abandon his long-term undercover assignment in Ethiopia, where he fell in love with Dr. Samia Fatima (Jodie Turner-Smith), he returns to London. "Then she arrives in London. Then he meets up with her, which he shouldn't do, and then he compromises her. She gets captured, and his new objective is to get her to safety. But by doing that, he becomes a double agent and betrays his country," Fassbender explained. The season premieres on June 21 on Paramount+.
Obsessive Preparation
Known for his immersive approach, Fassbender revealed he has read the script for The Agency approximately 150 times. "I try and do it 10 times a day," he laughed. This level of intensity ensures he feels the dialogue seeping into his bones. "I just don't want to turn up on set unprepared. A lot of things can fall through the cracks that are out of my control, but the worst thing is if I leave set and I'm 'oh I messed up because I didn't do my homework,'" he added.
From Altar Boy to Hollywood Star
Born in Heidelberg, Germany, to an Irish mother and German father, Fassbender moved to Ireland as a child. He was an altar boy, which he says trained him to perform. After initially pursuing heavy metal guitar, he discovered acting at 17. He moved to London at 19 to study at the Drama Centre but left early to star in a Chekhov play. His film career launched in 2001 with Band of Brothers, leading to Oscar nominations for 12 Years a Slave and Steve Jobs.
Racing Career
For a decade, Fassbender has balanced acting with professional racing. He joined Porsche's development program in 2018 and completed the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022. The documentary Road to Le Mans chronicles his journey. "My first dream has always been to go racing. Even before acting," he said.
Struggling for Humanity
In the new season, Martian fights to reclaim his humanity after seven years as a covert operative. "It's sort of his fight for humanity. He's been in the business for about 20 years, so he's quite jaded. He's crossed a lot of moral lines he didn't think he'd do at the beginning of his career," Fassbender explained. Despite his character's sociopathic tendencies, Fassbender's own sense of duty and consideration would likely make him a poor spy.
