Michael Fassbender has opened up about the growing challenge of separating fact from fiction online, saying advances in artificial intelligence are making it increasingly difficult to know what to trust.
The actor, who stars in the spy thriller The Agency, believes the show’s themes of deception and hidden identities are more relevant than ever in today’s digital world.
Speaking about the series, Fassbender explained that what makes The Agency stand out is its focus on the emotional and psychological toll of living a double life rather than relying on action-packed scenes and dramatic explosions.
According to him, the story explores the loneliness, isolation, and moral compromises that come with working undercover for years.Fassbender plays Martian, a seasoned CIA operative whose long career under deep-cover identities has changed him significantly.
He said the character reflects how years of difficult decisions and personal sacrifices can slowly erode a person’s sense of right and wrong.
His co-star Katherine Waterston, who portrays CIA officer Naomi, said the show mirrors modern concerns about truth and trust. She noted that even information that appears genuine today often requires careful scrutiny, especially as AI technology becomes more powerful and widespread.
Waterston expressed concern about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, arguing that stronger regulations may be needed to prevent misuse. She believes society is still trying to understand the long-term impact of the technology and warned that its risks should not be underestimated.Fassbender shared similar concerns, saying even those developing AI may not fully understand its future capabilities.
He added that misinformation has become so common that people are constantly exposed to conflicting stories and theories, making it harder to determine what is true.The actor admitted that he has occasionally fallen for misleading online content himself.
Fortunately, his wife, Academy Award-winning actress Alicia Vikander, often encourages him to verify information before accepting it as fact.Beyond discussing technology, Fassbender also reflected on the personal sacrifices required in both acting and espionage.
While he enjoys his career, he admitted that balancing work and family life remains one of his biggest challenges.When asked whether he would make a good spy in real life, Fassbender laughed and said he would be terrible at it.
He explained that maintaining a secret identity would require too many personal sacrifices, particularly when it comes to relationships and family life.His research into real undercover operatives left a lasting impression. Fassbender said he was surprised by how deeply a fabricated identity can affect a person, noting that those who spend years living as someone else may struggle to hold on to their true sense of self.
The second season of The Agency continues to explore these themes, blending espionage with questions about identity, trust, and the increasingly blurred line between reality and deception in the modern world.
