Michael Fassbender is starring, and he's amazing
No matter which assassin Fassbender picks up the cowl of, we're sure he'll be able to knock it out of the park. Desmond's confused, helpless role could be expanded greatly, or Fassbender could create a more likable character out of the stoic, serious Altair. We're hoping the story will follow Ezio, giving Fassbender his first shot at playing the fun playboy-type we all know he can be.
Thats why the news that Ubisofts newly-minted film division is working with Michael Fassbender on an Assassins Creed movie is so exciting. If this collaboration pans out, it could set a new standard for how material like this is handled. So look out Hollywood, the bar is about to be raised. We know that Lara Croft: Tomb Raider looks like Chinatown after watching the Double Dragon movie, but weve got a few reasons why this Assassins Creed movie could end up the vest video game movie yet
The plot is deeper than most game stories
This isn't a hurdle Assassin's Creed's writers will need to deal with. The story is more robust than most summer blockbusters, with plenty of twists and turns to play off of for a full film. It's also a deeper story, with themes and morals beyond kill that guy over there because he's a monster and you kill monsters.
There's plenty of material to work with
Because of this, the writers of the film won't need to rely too heavily on trying to replicate the events of one game or one part of a story. They could pull from whichever sections they want, or even attempt to make the movie span the time of several games. If they wanted to play it almost like a time-travel movie (yeah, we know the Aniumus isn't actually time-travel, but work with us), they could do that, too. Just imagine a thrilling action film that pulls the viewer through 1100s Jerusalem, 1400s Rome, and 1700s America it'd be amazing.
The developer actually has some control
What if the Uncharted movie had bombed so badly people stopped caring about Nathan Drake? Thats the sweat-drenched nightmare Naughty Dog executives were awakening from in the middle of the night. They had the foresight to say no to Hollywood, but Ubisoft has done them one better. After complaining about a lack of input in the Prince of Persia adaptation, Ubisoft has chosen to develop the film internally, founding Ubisoft Motion Pictures. The Montreal-based publisher has already scored a solid lead with Fassbender, and now gets to work with him picking writers and directors. All a studio like Sony will get to do is distribute the picture. If Assassins Creed turns out well, this could become the model for future adaptations. If not, Hollywood will never stop saying, we told you so.
This story will benefit from real locations
Creating the production design for a movie is an unbelieveable amount of work. Turning a handful of pictures and concept art into sets takes a clear vision, an able staff and a ton of money. Even with that though, the result can end up looking like the Mario Bros movie. With Assassins Creed, the filmmakers dont have to worry about making a plumber break bricks with his head or shoot fireballs out of his hand. Despite some sci-fi elements, Assassins Creed (no matter where/when it is set) is essentially a period piece, and Hollywood knows how to do those. Not that recreating historical locations isnt a ton of work (especially on the sweeping scale an Assassin's Creed movie will likely need), but the production designers will be able to look at classical paintings and sketches for inspiration, probably some of the very same references the developers at Ubisoft used.
The games are full of memorable heroes
But besides the modern-era cast, there are plenty of likable characters inside Desmond's DNA. Throw a hat on Paul Giamatti and you're looking at a fun, energetic Leonardo da Vinci. Each protagonist, too, brings something new to the table, from the romantic Ezio to Assassin's Creed III: Liberation's Aveline, who has the potential to be one of the most interesting characters in the franchise. Of course, there are plenty of memorable characters on the other side as well...
There are also plenty of awesome villains
Outside the Animus there are some interesting personalities, too. Abstergo Industries' Warren Vidic could make for an incredibly strong film role if handed to the right actor, helping show the dark, misguided plight of the Knights Templar's 2012 activities.
The bar isn't that high
Alright, that's sort of a terrible idea, but either way we're super excited by the recent news surrounding the project, and have high hopes that it could bring one of our favorite franchises to life in a new medium.
Who do you see in the Brotherhood?
For the latest on Assassins Creed 3, check out Assassin's Creed III's main character Everything we know about Connor. Or for more film to game analysis, check out The Last of Us 6 post-apocalyptic visions that inspired the game.
