Michael Fassbender Googled ‘Coaches losing it” Before Joining Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins After Long Hiatus
After a multi-year break from acting, Michael Fassbender is making his Hollywood return in the upcoming Taika Waititi sports comedy Next Goal Wins. Fassbender says he felt inspired to take on the role of real-life soccer coach Thomas Rongen due to the film’s uplifting true story. To get into the mindset of his hotheaded character, the actor took the amusing approach of googling footage of “Coaches losing it.”
What drew Michael Fassbender back to acting for Next Goal Wins?
As per Digital Spy, appearing on The Graham Norton Show, Fassbender discussed his break from acting and his preparation for playing Rongen. After 2019’s X-Men: Dark Phoenix, the actor stepped back from Hollywood for a few years to pursue his “obsession” with motor racing.
“It’s an obsession and feels so right as I have no affinity with any other sport. I am super addicted, and I want to go back and do Le Mans again – it was extraordinary,” Fassbender explained.
Next Goal Wins marks Fassbender’s return to the big screen after his multi-year acting break. He said he felt inspired to take the role of coach Thomas Rongen due to the uplifting true story the film tells.
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“I loved the story and their positivity, tenacity, and resilience. They are inspiring,” Fassbender stated.
The comedy-drama follows the American Samoa soccer team attempting to qualify for the 2014 World Cup after suffering the worst loss in history, a 31-0 defeat to Australia in 2001.
To get into the mindset of his hotheaded coach character, Michael Fassbender took an amusing approach by googling footage of “coaches losing it” on the sidelines.
“I prepared for my role as Thomas Rongen by googling ‘coaches losing it’,” the actor admitted with a laugh.
What other projects has Michael Fassbender been working on?
In addition to Next Goal Wins, Michael Fassbender recently starred in the Netflix assassin thriller The Killer. Directed by David Fincher, Fassbender played an unnamed assassin hunted by his former employers.
Fassbender said he was excited to work with renowned directors like Waititi and Fincher after his break from Hollywood. Their unique visions provided the motivation he needed to step back in front of the camera.
With acclaimed filmmakers bringing him compelling characters, Fassbender’s acting comeback is off to a strong start. And if his viral coach research is any indication, expect an intense, dedicated performance in Next Goal Wins when it debuts later this year.
After rediscovering his passion during his hiatus, Michael Fassbender seems ready to remind audiences just how powerful his acting chops can be.
