Spycraft, mystery, and an ensemble of talented actors—Black Bag revolves around a compelling plot where a government-assigned spy is tasked with spying on his own wife. At the New York City debut, ComingSoon’s Jonathan Sim interviewed the film’s principal cast members including Michael Fassbender, Naomie Harris, Tom Burke, and writer David Koepp. They hinted at a potential game-changer in the genre that could cause quite the stir.
The movie “Black Bag” explores the theme of challenging decisions, specifically those that our protagonist, George Woodhouse, grapples with as he navigates his loyalty towards his nation and marriage. Renowned actor Michael Fassbender, known for his roles in X-Men, Prometheus, Steve Jobs, Inglourious Basterds, and 12 Years a Slave, discusses the career decision he’s most proud of.
Fassbender notes, “Indeed, all paths seem to converge here.” He explains that there are many factors contributing to this point, but one significant event might be his role in the 2008 film ‘Hunger,’ directed by Steve McQueen. In this movie, he portrayed Bobby Sands, a man who undertook a hunger strike in 1981.
Naomie Harris, the actress playing Dr. Zoe Vaughan in Black Bag, discussed her career decisions. “Early on in my career, even without any resources or backing, I consciously chose to portray strong, empowering representations of black women,” she explained. “I believe this decision was crucial and something I’m very proud of. Although it was a challenging choice at the time, it was especially difficult when I was just starting out.
Right there on the floor was none other than Tom Burke, known for his stellar performances in movies such as Mank and Furiosa. As Freddie Smalls, he shared some wisdom, “At times, it’s about saying no – not just to roles but also during them. It takes a while before you find the confidence to make that call. You might end up sweating under an uncomfortable hat for an entire summer while performing in a play, before you finally decide, ‘I’m not wearing this tonight.’ That’s a significant milestone for any actor, I believe.
As a devoted admirer, let me share that David Koepp, the writer, has responded to the same question. In 2025, Black Bag is one of the three screenplays he’s submitted for movies, with Presence being the first and Jurassic World: Dominion, coming later this year, making up the other two. This prolific talent has penned some of the most acclaimed films in Tinsel Town, from Jurassic Park to Mission: Impossible to Spider-Man. Yet, his response suggests he relishes his moments away from the high-profile studio scripts.
Koepp shares that whenever he’s penned a piece without prior agreement or payment, whenever he’s declared, “I have an idea. I won’t try to sell it; I’ll just write it,” he’s always found time for quiet reflection before putting pen to paper and crafting the script. He’s never looked back with regret on this approach, as evidenced by his impressive collection of original works like “Secret Window,” “Premium Rush,” and “Kimi.
In Black Bag, one recurring theme is the significance of trust. George’s relationship with his wife is a prime example of this delicate balance. As Burke points out, “It’s interesting because it’s all about trust.” Trust is crucial in chemistry, but stepping onto a set where you barely know anyone requires a certain amount of faith. By the end of the project, Burke confided that they had developed mutual trust with the entire cast and crew. This sense of trust began to form around the second day, although initially, there was a period of uncertainty: “For the first two days, I’m thinking, ‘I’ll give you my trust because it’s better than trying to be self-reliant and solely manufacture my performance without considering anyone else’s input.’
Black Bag features a distinguished cast headed by Harris, who has built an impressive career with roles such as Eve Moneypenny in the modern James Bond movies starring Craig, Selena in 28 Days Later, and Tia Dalma in several Pirates of the Caribbean films. For which role does she receive the most acclaim?
She remarks, “Bond is undoubtedly the right choice,” she states. “I’ve recently starred in a film titled ‘The Wasp,’ which didn’t receive much attention. I believe it’s a captivating movie that delves into the profound bonds between women, as I feel these connections often get overlooked. People tend to assume your first love is with someone of the opposite sex, but for me, I think true love can also come from friendships, and they can be just as intense and painful as romantic relationships. That’s a theme ‘The Wasp’ explores.
Black Bag arrives in theatres on Friday, March 14.
Thank you to the cast of Black Bag for speaking with ComingSoon on the red carpet.
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2025-03-13 00:40