In the realm of Hollywood, Michael Fassbender, renowned for his roles in films such as “Next Goal Wins” and “The Killer,” recently delved into the intricate connection between his illustrious career and his approach to food. Having navigated the industry for over two decades since his breakthrough in HBO’s “Band of Brothers,” Fassbender has seamlessly transitioned between major studio productions and independent projects. His collaborations include partnerships with iconic directors like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Ridley Scott, Terrence Malick, and three ventures with Steve McQueen. Notably, this fall witnessed him at the helm of David Fincher’s “The Killer” and Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins.”
Amidst his expansive career, if Fassbender were to break bread with a character from his repertoire, it would be Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, the enigmatic anti-hero or villain, depending on one’s perspective. Portrayed by Fassbender in four X-Men films between 2011 and 2019, Magneto’s complex dynamics with Professor X, portrayed by both James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart, serve as a focal point in the X-Men narrative.
Reflecting on his role, Fassbender humorously expresses, “[I would have] a few questions. I would say Magneto.” The character’s intriguing friendship/rivalry with Professor X, central to the X-Men storyline, adds layers to Fassbender’s multifaceted career.
However, conflicts in Fassbender’s career weren’t limited to the X-Men universe. His initial collaboration with McQueen in the 2008 film “Hunger,” where he portrayed Bobby Sands, a real-life Irish politician on a hunger strike, demanded an intense physical transformation. Recalling the experience, Fassbender shares, “Usually I’ll sit between 72 kilos [158 pounds] and 74 [163 pounds]. When I did Hunger, the target was to get down to 58 kilos [127 pounds], which I did—that was over a 10-week period.”
To achieve this drastic weight loss, Fassbender adopted a stringent diet, limiting himself to 1,000 calories a day for about four weeks. As he reached a plateau at 64 kilos [141 pounds], he further reduced his caloric intake to a mere 600 calories daily, comprising “a tin of sardines, berries, and a handful of nuts a day.”
It’s important to note that such extreme diets are neither endorsed by Men’s Health nor Fassbender himself. He emphasizes, “I wouldn’t do what I did for ‘Hunger’ again. I wouldn’t do that to my body again.”
For a comprehensive exploration of the two-time Oscar nominee’s dietary choices and insights into his health, refer to Men’s Health’s latest “Eat Like” video above.
