Michael Fassbender became a household name for playing the role of Magneto in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men universe. He started playing a younger version of the character in 2011’s X-Men: First Class and continued till 2016’s X-Men: Apocalypse. However, it was not the 2011 Marvel movie but Zack Snyder’s 300 that sparked Fassbender’s interest in comic book films.
Long before X-Men: First Class, Michael Fassbender stepped into the realm of comic book films with 2006’s 300. He played the role of a young Spartan soldier Stelios in the film. Fassbender admitted that before 300, he knew nothing about comic books. The Zack Snyder brainchild ignited his interest in the genre.
Michael Fassbender discovered the comic book magic in 300
300 is still discussed among many fans for its stylized visuals, action, and gore. Despite some criticisms of historical inaccuracies, the film, based on Frank Miller’s 1998 limited comics, was praised for its performances. Besides that, the Zack Snyder film also proved pivotal for Michael Fassbender‘s career.
In an interview with IGN, Michael Fassbender opened up that he was never an avid fan of reading comics. He never even saved a penny to buy a comic book. However, after doing 300, when the actor visited Comic-Con, he realized the beauty of this world and was impressed by the enthusiasm of fans in this genre.
I never spent my pocket money every weekend at the comic book store. So I’m not really aware of that world. But with 300 I went to Comic-Con and I really like the fans because they are enthusiastic about their field, you know? They love it and they are very vocal with their support and their enthusiasm is uninhibited. I love that at Comic-Con everyone is wandering around in their Yoda outfits and you look like the square if you don’t go dressed in something. It’s quite cool.
Michael Fassbender pointed out that other film festivals like Cannes are primarily for the industry, but Comic-Con is for the fans. He finds it very cool how the big stars are treated as guests in the Comic-Cons. Interestingly, 300 holds a special place in the 47-year-old actor’s heart as it was his feature film debut.
Michael Fassbender is grateful to 300 for giving him an impressive physique
The fans of 300 would remember how the actor sported an incredible physique in the film. In a conversation with Vanity Fair, Michael Fassbender confessed that the film presented him with a good excuse to bring his body into shape.
Despite having minimum dialogue in the film, the Jane Eyre actor was happy that he was getting paid to get in shape.
For 300, I think we trained for ten weeks before we stepped in front of a camera, and because the film is so physical, I think I have maybe four lines in the movie maybe. So it’s very much physically-based character performance. And so to get in shape was key. But yeah, I just enjoyed the fact that I was, you know, getting in shape and getting paid.
It is impressive that despite not having a central role in 300, the film prepared Fassbender for his forthcoming career. The Zack Snyder directorial was significant in imparting more knowledge about the world of comic book movies to the actor.
300 can be streamed on Max.
