Irish A-lister Michael Fassbender, renowned for his portrayal of Magneto in the X-Men franchise, has revealed a rather humorous reason for signing up alongside his wife, Alicia Vikander, for the eccentric new sci-fi film titled Hope. The couple stars as CGI aliens invading Earth in this offbeat project directed by acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin.
Fassbender's Lighthearted Confession
Speaking to the Mirror and other journalists at the Cannes Film Festival, Fassbender quipped, “My wife made me do it!” when asked about his involvement in the film. The comment sparked laughter, especially when Vikander retorted, “He listens to me!” The Swedish actress, with whom Fassbender shares two children, elaborated on her own motivation for joining the project.
Vikander's Passion for Asian Cinema
Vikander explained that her interest in Korean cinema began after attending the Busan Film Festival early in her career. “I just fell in love with Asian cinema,” she said. She had attempted to collaborate with Na on a previous project that never materialized, but he later reached out with a new concept. “I didn’t think, I said yes! I think director Na is incredible, such a visionary, and I felt very honoured to be part of his film,” she added.
Fassbender, who resides with his family in Lisbon, Portugal, humorously confirmed that his wife’s enthusiasm was the deciding factor. “Alicia told me to do it,” he joked, prompting further laughter from the press.
Taylor Russell's Involvement
Canadian actress Taylor Russell, known for her role in the Netflix series Lost in Space, also stars in Hope. Russell, who had a brief relationship with Harry Styles in 2023, revealed that Vikander informed her about the project. She expressed a long-standing desire to work on foreign films, particularly with visionary directors like Na. “The dream is to be able to work in a different country on foreign, to me, language films and to work with an auteur. And director Na is an auteur who makes incredible cinema,” she said.
Russell added that she never imagined herself in such a role. “It is kind of beyond a dream to think of — I wouldn’t even cast myself in any of his films because it feels inconceivable, so when the call came, you made me laugh the entire time I talked to you, so it made me think this would be a fun ride,” she explained. The actress also expressed interest in making more Korean films and even learning the language.
A Unique Sci-Fi Experience
Hope is described as a blend of gritty survival narrative and sci-fi mythology, making it one of the most unconventional films screened at Cannes this year. The cast includes Fassbender, Vikander, and Russell as alien invaders, adding a layer of complexity to the story. Director Na Hong-jin, celebrated for his visionary style, brings his signature approach to this ambitious project.
The film's premiere at Cannes has generated significant buzz, with audiences and critics alike praising its originality and the performances of its leads. Fassbender and Vikander's on-screen chemistry, combined with Russell's compelling presence, promises to deliver a memorable cinematic experience.
