Assassin's Creed Movie Is 65% Present Day, 35% in the Past

The bulk of the Assassin's Creed movie takes place in modern day, the film's executive producer has confirmed. Pat Crowley told IGN that the film is set 65 percent in the present and 35 percent in 15th century Spain, a ratio that doesn't quite match up with the games.

In the Assassin's Creed game series, most of the action typically takes places in historical periods such as Colonial America, the French Revolution, and the Renaissance, among others.

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Regarding the present day/past percentage split, lead actor Michael Fassbender explained why the film is structured the way it is.

"There are certain things that we absolutely want to respect in the game," he said. "But we also want to bring new elements to the game [...] This isn't a video game that we're making. We're trying to make a cinematic experience, so there are new things that we have to introduce."

Fassbender, who has been nominated twice for an Academy Award, plays Assassin's Creed's two lead roles: present day hero Callum Lynch and his ancestor, Aguilar. The film is not directly tied to any Assassin's Creed game, and is said to be the first in a series; Fassbender is reportedly on board for a sequel.

The film opens on December 21. For lots more, check out GameSpot's interview feature with Fassbender. A new poster has also been released; check it out below.

Assassin's Creed also stars Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and Michael Kenneth Williams. Its December 21 opening is one week after the premiere of Star Wars spinoff Rogue One.

There is no new mainline Assassin's Creed game coming this year, which may benefit the movie. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot explained earlier this year that no new game gives the movie's marketing team more space and opportunity to promote the film.