Following Daniel Craig’s curtain call as James Bond in No Time to Die in 2021, the James Bond franchise has been without 007, but rumors about who could be the next British MI6 agent have run rampant on the internet, including one actor who might already have a television show lined up similar to James Bond. The contenders who could play the next James Bond in Bond 26 are Aaron Taylor-Johnson (one of the most popular reports), Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, Sam Heughan, and many more. However, one name has been discussed for years regarding Daniel Craig’s replacement as James Bond — Michael Fassbender.

Fassbender, an accomplished and renowned Irish actor, is a fan favorite pick to star as 007 in the next James Bond movie. Ever since he began playing Magneto in the X-Men film series, many have claimed that he should follow in Craig’s footsteps when the English actor retired from the role. It’s not surprising that Fassbender has been discussed to portray James Bond next, given his talent, experience, and good looks. Nevertheless, Fassbender might be too busy to accept the role (plus he expressed many years ago that he was uninterested in playing 007).

Michael Fassbender’s The Agency Effectively Rules Him Out As A Future James Bond

Fassbender Is Set To Star In George Clooney’s Upcoming Show

Michael Fassbender is set to play the lead role in George Clooney’s upcoming spy thriller series The Agency, a remake of the French political drama The Bureau. The Agency, which will be executive produced by Clooney, Fassbender, and Grant Heslov, revolves around Fassbender’s character, Martian, a covert CIA agent forced to abandon his undercover status and return to London. By playing the protagonist in a high-octane spy thriller on TV, Fassbender’s The Agency Role most likely nixes any lingering possibility of him replacing Daniel James for Bond 26.

All in all, Fassbender’s new TV remake The Agency sounds quite similar to James Bond. Consequently, it should be the perfect 007 substitute for Fassbender, who previously claimed he didn’t want to play James Bond despite the public’s interest in him doing so. If Fassbender is never going to step into Daniel Craig’s shoes as James Bond, The Agency is the next best thing. Fans will see the actor playing a secret agent in England. Another impact, of course, is that James Bond‘s producers may see The Agency as too Bond-adjacent to ever consider Michael Fassbender as a future 007 if the actor decided he wanted the role.

Fassbender Was Already Unlikely To Replace Daniel Craig For Bond 26

The Actor Was One Of The Fan Favorite James Bond Candidates

Even if The Agency didn’t exist, and he wasn’t opposed to replacing Daniel Craig, Michael Fassbender still likely wouldn’t play James Bond in Bond 26. Fassbender is 47, and while he has proven that he can still be an action star (via his leading role in Netflix’s The Killer), producers are likely looking for someone younger to star as 007. Unfortunately, that takes several other potential contenders out of the running. In addition to Fassbender, Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, and others over the age of 40 probably won’t be the next James Bond. The odds are certainly in Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s favor.

Why Michael Fassbender Would Be A Great 007

Many Still Hope Fassbender Will Be The Next James Bond

Despite his age, Michael Fassbender could still be a fantastic James Bond, even if it was only for one or two movies. He has proven himself to be a formidable actor with a diverse filmography and experience in the action genre. Fassbender also knows what it’s like to play an iconic character with a rich history and an enormous established fan base (Magneto in the X-Men movies).

Of course, Fassbender’s name alone would be a big draw, influencing many to see Bond 26 in theaters. The upcoming film likely won’t have a problem reeling in viewers, though. So, while it’s still a shame that Fassbender probably won’t replace Daniel Craig in the James Bond franchise, it will all work out in the end.