Michael Fassbender Stars in American ‘Le Bureau des Légendes’ – First Images Revealed!

Long anticipated and eagerly awaited, the American version of one of France’s top TV shows, Le Bureau des Légendes, is finally giving us a sneak peek. Renamed The Agency – previously The Department – this spy thriller is set to premiere during Thanksgiving in the U.S. In France, it will naturally be broadcast on Canal+, although the exact date is still to be announced.

The show features Michael Fassbender as a CIA agent, taking over the role originally played by Mathieu Kassovitz. According to the synopsis released by Showtime, the agent, named Martian, is ordered to abandon his undercover life and return to his agency in London.

When the love he left behind (played by Jodie Turner-Smith) reappears, their romance reignites. His career, his true identity, and his mission clash with his heart, thrusting both into a deadly game of international intrigue and espionage.

A Stellar Cast

The cast of The Agency also includes Jeffrey Wright, Richard Gere – who recently mentioned he wouldn’t watch the series – Katherine Waterston, John Magaro, and Harriet Sansom Harris, among others. Additionally, Hugh Bonneville (from Downton Abbey) is expected to make an appearance.

Contrary to earlier announcements at the project’s inception, George Clooney is not directing. While credited as a producer, it is Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice) who has directed the first two episodes.

A Compelling Trailer

The trailer immediately immerses us in the action: Martian is in an interrogation room, surrounded by one-way mirrors that reflect him endlessly, opposite the formidable Harriet Sansom Harris, and he gives nothing away. She asks him: “What is your question, doctor?” “Do you think it’s possible you might have something to hide?” she retorts.

Indeed, it’s quite possible. After all, we’re talking about a character played by Michael Fassbender, known for roles ranging from scoundrels to gentlemen, but perhaps most famous for portraying characters with deep secrets: androids with ulterior motives, sex addicts, international assassins, and British officers posing as Nazi officers.

But for this character, concealment is a daily job. Through a series of quick, sharp edits, we barely catch glimpses of cold-eyed men moving through foreign airports with sinister determination, performing their amoral duties with brutal efficiency. Michael Fassbender shows us the nature of his work and the mental toll it takes on those who practice it: “Lying to everyone… Risking your life every day. No glamour. No exploding watches. I think there’s only one kind of agent: The madman.” It truly feels like we’re back in the bureau of legends!