The 2016 Assassin’s Creed film aimed to bring one of gaming’s most revered franchises to the big screen with a bold new vision. Directed by Justin Kurzel and starring Michael Fassbender, the movie promised a blend of philosophical depth, historical spectacle, and kinetic action. While its ambition was undeniable, the final product proved divisive, leaving behind a legacy as a visually striking yet narratively uneven adaptation.
A Film Steeped in Franchise Tradition
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series had, by 2016, established itself as a sprawling saga intertwining historical fiction with modern-day conspiracy. Rather than adapting a specific game, the film carved its own path, introducing a new protagonist, Callum Lynch, who relives the memories of his 15th-century Spanish ancestor, Aguilar de Nerha. The Spanish Inquisition served as the historical backdrop, a setting unexplored in the games at the time.
The Animus, the franchise’s iconic memory-reliving device, underwent a significant redesign. Gone was the reclining chair from the games, replaced by a dynamic robotic rig. This shift, though contentious among fans, allowed for more fluid action sequences and a distinct cinematic identity.
Production and Cast
Produced by New Regency, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, and DMC Film, the project saw Michael Fassbender not only in the lead role but also as a producer. Marion Cotillard starred as Sophia Rikkin, alongside Jeremy Irons as her father, Alan Rikkin, the Templar overseer. Brendan Gleeson and Michael K. Williams rounded out the supporting cast.
Kurzel, known for his atmospheric direction in Macbeth, brought a similarly gritty and grounded tone to Assassin’s Creed. Filming took place in Malta and Spain, with a strong emphasis on practical effects, authentic sets, and stunt work, a deliberate choice to distance the film from the CGI-heavy spectacles dominating the genre.
Plot and Themes
Callum Lynch, a convicted criminal facing execution, is rescued by Abstergo Industries, a front for the modern Templar Order. Through the Animus, he experiences the life of Aguilar, an Assassin tasked with protecting the Apple of Eden, an ancient artefact said to hold the key to free will.
As Callum delves deeper into Aguilar’s memories, the boundaries between past and present blur. The film explores themes of control versus freedom, the weight of inherited legacy, and the moral ambiguity of both the Assassins and Templars. While the philosophical underpinnings were ambitious, critics argued the execution often felt muddled, leaving key ideas underdeveloped.
Action and Authenticity
Where the film excelled was in its action sequences. The combat was choreographed with precision, emphasising the franchise’s signature blend of stealth, agility, and brutal efficiency. The hidden blade took centre stage, alongside short swords and acrobatic parkour across rooftops and alleyways.
Fassbender underwent extensive training to perform many of his own stunts, including a breathtaking 125-foot free fall. a direct homage to the games’ iconic “Leap of Faith.” These practical set pieces lent the film a visceral quality, setting it apart from more digitally reliant blockbusters.
Memorable Dialogue
Though the script was criticised for its dense exposition, a few lines resonated with fans:
“We work in the dark to serve the light.”
“Your destiny is in your blood.”
“The history of the world is the history of violence.”
These quotes captured the essence of the franchise’s long-standing themes, even if the broader narrative struggled to do so cohesively.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon release, Assassin’s Creed received largely negative reviews. Critics cited its convoluted plot, thinly sketched characters, and overly sombre tone as key weaknesses. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 19% approval rating, though some fans appreciated its earnest attempt to honour the source material’s complexity.
Financially, the film grossed over $240 million worldwide but failed to recoup its budget after marketing costs. Plans for sequels were quietly shelved, though the film remains a curiosity, an experiment in translating a deeply interactive franchise into a linear cinematic experience.
Ubisoft later refocused on the games, with Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla adopting a more expansive, RPG-driven approach. Whether the film’s shortcomings influenced this shift remains speculative, but its ambition, if not its execution, hinted at the franchise’s untapped potential beyond gaming.
Where to Watch
As of 2025, Assassin’s Creed is available for streaming on Disney+ in the UK. It can also be rented or purchased via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other major digital platforms.
Watch the trailer:
