Michael Fassbender Does Dual Roles In New ASSASSIN'S CREED Photos

It’s about that time now as we sit a year away from the forthcoming release of Assassin’s Creed – the live action adaptation of the longstanding game franchise. As such, Entertainment Weekly and Empire Magazine are just two of the sources so far dishing out the first of several looks at actor Michael Fassbender in dual roles next to actress Marion Cotillard following their most recent pairing in Kurzel’s MacBeth this year.

Through a revolutionary technology that unlocks his genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) experiences the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th Century Spain. Callum discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.

Word has it that Fassbender has even played the game in preparation for the film in addition to the training he’s done for the rigorous fight sequences that will ensue. I reckon, however, that there will be some surprises in that regard; Watching Fassbender do parkour in any capacity whether its him or via stunt double could be pretty gnarly, and I imagine there are quite a few talented freerunners working on this one so as to help bolster the sport as much as possible here.

Freerunning is as pivotal a tool nowadays as is any style of action in a post-Banlieue 13 era of action on film while the sport itself dates back to a time much more earlier, and there have been some big screen flubs in that regard as well (let’s just say that I’ve seen smaller, zero-budgeted productions measure way better online via YouTube). For this, may Assassin’s Creed be the difference.

The film opens on December 21, 2016.