The video game Assassin’s Creed has sold more than 73m copies and spawned numerous novels, comic books and short films. But Michael Fassbender, the star of the highly anticipated film adaptation has admitted never having played it prior to being offered the lead role.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly as the first photography was released for the movie, the actor said he first got to grips with the video game only after being approached by Ubisoft to join the production.
"I don't need anyone's permission" Michael Fassbender #AssassinsCreed New Promo https://t.co/vjkxdpNnbO pic.twitter.com/7S6qFUxxsm
— Michael Fassbender (@Fassbender_Way) December 27, 2015
“I hadn’t played it before these guys approached me,” said Fassbender, who will also take a hands-on producer’s role. “I’ve played it since mainly to get an idea of the physicality of the character.
“We’re striving to find something special,” added the X-Men: Days of Future Past star. “We believe the whole concept around it is special, and want to service that the best we can. The fans are really passionate … they expect accuracy and historical detail.”
Fassbender also said the fantasy film, set in 15th-century Spain and the present day, would avoid superpowers and magical elements. “A lot of the stuff in the game is parkour,” he explained. “Blades attached to his wrists. It’s about getting in close to the target, close quarters fighting.”
Fassbender reunites for Assassin’s Creed with Justin Kurzel, director of this year’s acclaimed adaptation Macbeth, in which the actor starred as the Scottish king. Marion Cotillard, who played Lady Macbeth, joins a cast that also includes Michael K Williams, Jeremy Irons and Brendan Gleeson.
Assassin’s Creed, which has a rumoured budget of $150-200m (£100-134m), is due in cinemas in December 2016.
