Michael Fassbender thinks he ‘failed’ his audition for Quentin Tarantino’s film

Michael Fassbender, the talented German-Irish actor known for his dynamic roles in films like 12 Years a Slave, X-Men, and Shame, recently opened up about a pivotal moment in his career that involved a mix of doubt, self-reflection, and eventual success. The actor revealed that he thought he had “blown” his audition for one of the most iconic films in modern cinema, Inglourious Basterds, directed by the legendary Quentin Tarantino.

Fassbender, known for his intense dedication to his craft, was initially unsure about how his audition for the film went. He recalled the experience of meeting with Tarantino for the role of the character Lieutenant Archie Hicox, a British film director turned soldier in World War II who plays a crucial role in the movie’s plot. Inglourious Basterds would go on to become a cult classic, and the role of Hicox with his memorable, tense moments on screen would be one of Fassbender’s standout performances.

However, when Fassbender first auditioned for the role, he felt anything but confident. As he entered the audition room, he was faced with the immense pressure of working with one of the most celebrated directors in the industry, Quentin Tarantino. According to Fassbender, his initial feelings after the audition were far from positive. In fact, he thought he had completely messed it up. This sense of failure was compounded by the fact that, at the time, he was unaware that the role had already been essentially promised to another actor—Oscar-winning star Daniel Day-Lewis.

The Intense Pressure of Auditioning for Tarantino

Fassbender’s story about auditioning for Inglourious Basterds reveals just how much pressure actors can feel when auditioning for major roles. Tarantino, known for his unique storytelling and often unconventional casting choices, had a clear vision for his film, and the competition to be a part of it was fierce. With so many talented actors vying for roles, the pressure on Fassbender during his audition was enormous, and he admits that he didn’t believe he performed to the best of his ability.

“I thought I blew the audition,” Fassbender said in a candid interview. “It was one of those moments where you feel like you’re stumbling over every word, and I remember thinking, ‘Well, that’s it. I’ve definitely not got it.'”

To make matters even more complicated, Fassbender wasn’t immediately told the outcome of the audition. Afterward, he went through a period of uncertainty and self-doubt, wondering whether he had any hope of landing the role at all. The sense of failure was compounded by the fact that the casting of the film had been a complicated and secretive process. As Fassbender later found out, Day-Lewis had already been in consideration for the role, which made the chances of him landing the part even slimmer.

A Surprising Turn of Events

After what Fassbender perceived as a failed audition, he quickly picked up the phone and called his parents to share the news. “I called my parents straight away,” he recalled, not realizing at the time how close he was to securing the role. “I said, ‘I think I blew it.’ I was kind of down about it.”

However, in a surprising turn of events, it wasn’t long before Fassbender received a callback from Tarantino’s team. Despite his initial concerns, the director was still interested in working with him. Tarantino had recognized Fassbender’s potential and felt that he could bring something special to the role of Hicox. Ultimately, the role went to Fassbender, and Inglourious Basterds would mark a turning point in his career, as it opened the doors to a series of major roles that would establish him as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actors.

Fassbender’s portrayal of Lieutenant Hicox, who is tasked with infiltrating the Nazi regime during World War II, was a standout performance. His character’s calm demeanor, intelligence, and tension-filled moments with other members of the Basterds team showcased Fassbender’s ability to capture the nuances of a complex role. His performance in the film was widely praised, and it cemented his place as one of the industry’s most talented up-and-coming stars.

Reflection and Career Growth

Looking back, Fassbender now sees his early doubts about the audition as part of his growth as an actor. The experience taught him a valuable lesson about self-belief and the unpredictable nature of the film industry. Even when things seem uncertain or the pressure feels overwhelming, success can still emerge unexpectedly.

“I always try to remind myself that you can’t predict how things are going to turn out,” Fassbender said. “You can give it your best, but sometimes the chips fall in ways you don’t expect. I’m glad they did for this one.”

In the years since Inglourious Basterds, Fassbender’s career has only gone from strength to strength. He has received critical acclaim for his performances in films like 12 Years a Slave, Steve Jobs, and X-Men: First Class, among many others. His range as an actor has allowed him to take on a variety of roles, from intense drama to action-packed blockbusters, proving that he is one of the most versatile actors of his generation.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Perseverance

Michael Fassbender’s experience auditioning for Inglourious Basterds serves as a powerful reminder of how perseverance, self-reflection, and a little bit of luck can lead to unexpected success. Although he initially thought he had “blown” the audition, his willingness to keep going and his dedication to his craft ultimately led to one of his most memorable roles. Fassbender’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the importance of trusting the process, even when things don’t seem to go as planned.