The movie landscape is on the verge of change, with video game adaptations standing in line to become the next great cinematic franchise. The first movie that is expected to change audience perceptions about what is possible in a video game movie is Warcraft. We recently got our first look at the movie and it received mixed reactions based on the tone and possibly unfinished special effects.
The next movie in line to legitimize the video game movie genre will be Assassin’s Creed. The adaptation of one of the most successful video game franchises in the history of the industry will soon be coming to a theater near you. The game is centered on a centuries old rivalry between the Knight Templars and the Assassins. It focuses on Desmond Miles, who travels into his ancestors’ past lives to correct the historical timeline with the assistance of a futuristic device known as the Animus.
The project gained a huge amount of momentum when they secured Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Days of Future Past) as both the lead and star of the adaptation. However, one might be surprised to hear that Fassbender is not a gamer himself and had never played the game before being hired. He explains to EW his introduction to the game:
“I’ve played it since [being offered the job] mainly to get an idea of the physicality of the character. We’re striving to find something special. We believe the whole concept around it is special and want to service that the best we can. The fans are really passionate: very specific and they expect accuracy and historical detail. We’re really trying to capitalize and feed on and enjoy the fun element. We’re working hard to make this something special.”
This might be a troubling sign for most actors. However, Fassbender is no ordinary actor. He is known for his intense preparation and his ability to transform himself into various characters. What this movie also has in it’s corner is the simplicity of its premise. While there is an element of time-travel, the protagonist of the story is more like a medieval ninja, than a superhero. Fassbender explains the approach to the action:
“A lot of the stuff in the game is Parkour. Blades attached to his wrists. It’s about getting in close to the target, close quarters fighting.”
While the spectacle of seeing ogres and wizards go to battle in Warcraft could be its biggest asset, it could also be its biggest hindrance if audiences don’t believe in the effects that they are seeing. While Assassin’s Creed should be accessible to all fans of grounded, period piece action. This gives Assassin’s Creed added crossover potential with the ability to draw in demographics that may not normally be attracted to an action movie, or a video game franchise. There is a lot of reasons to get excited for the upcoming release.
Assassin’s Creed opens on December 21st, 2016.
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Source: EW