If you were to come up with a short list of actors that fans would be interested in playing James Bond on the big screen, you wouldn’t get far without mentioning Michael Fassbender. The two-time Oscar-nominated actor is no stranger to high profile gigs, and would most likely make a great James Bond. However, it appears that he has his eyes set on another suave superspy, in the new film “Malko.”
According to Deadline, Fassbender has signed on to star in and produce “Malko,” which is based on the famous spy novels from author Gérard de Villiers. The film tells the story of Malko Linge, an Austrian spy that works as a freelance agent for the CIA and whoever else will play him. He’s similar to Bond in that he’s apparently a well-dressed badass spy with a penchant for small pistols.
As mentioned, “Malko” is based on the “S.A.S” novel series by de Villiers. Debuting in 1965, the franchise has released 200 novels. Lionsgate is said to be adapting the novel “Checkpoint Charlie” for the first film in a possible franchise. Oscar-nominated screenwriter Eric Warren Singer is attached to pen the script. He’s probably best known for his work on the film “American Hustle,” as well as the upcoming action sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Fassbender most recently appeared as Magento in Fox’s ‘X-Men’ superhero franchise swansong “Dark Phoenix.” He’s also been nominated for two Oscars for his roles in “Steve Jobs” and “12 Years a Slave.” Fassbender has also appeared in films like “The Light Between Oceans,” “Macbeth,” and the two ‘Alien’ prequels from director Ridley Scott.
No word on when we might see “Malko” on the big screen, but it appears that they’re still pretty early in development.