Assassin's Creed Arrives On Max In March

Summary

Assassin's Creed offers a unique expansion of the game universe with an original story faithful to the franchise.
The star-studded cast and high production values elevated Assassin's Creed but received mixed reviews.
The film's upcoming release on streaming provides a second chance for viewers to appreciate video game adaptations.

Video game adaptations have long had a complicated relationship with Hollywood. While franchises like Resident Evil and Mortal Kombat have found varying degrees of success, others have struggled to capture the essence of their source material. One of the most ambitious adaptations of the past decade, Assassin’s Creed, attempted to break the mold with its high production values, star-studded cast, and an original story that fit within the established game universe. Though its reception was mixed upon release, Assassin’s Creed is getting another chance to find an audience as it makes its way to the streaming platform Max on March 1.

First released back in 2016, this marks an opportunity for a new wave of viewers to explore the film, especially those who may have skipped it during its theatrical run. With its historical setting, intricate lore, and gripping action sequences, Assassin’s Creed offers an experience that blends historical fiction with futuristic technology. Now that it is coming to Max, fans can revisit the film and reassess its place in the legacy of video game movies. Whether you’re an Assassin’s Creed veteran or new to the franchise, the movie’s arrival on streaming is a perfect time to see how it stacks up against other adaptations.

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By Oliver VanDervoort

A Unique Expansion of the Assassin’s Creed Universe

One of the most intriguing aspects of Assassin’s Creed is that it does not simply rehash a game’s storyline. Instead, it tells an original story while remaining faithful to the core concepts of the franchise. The film follows Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender), a man sentenced to death who is saved by the mysterious Abstergo Industries. Through groundbreaking technology called the Animus, Callum is forced to relive the memories of his ancestor, Aguilar de Nerha, an Assassin fighting during the Spanish Inquisition.

Unlike many video game adaptations that struggle to establish their own identity, Assassin’s Creed sought to create a fresh narrative that still felt authentic. Ubisoft, the company behind the franchise, was deeply involved in production, ensuring that the film's depiction of the Assassin Brotherhood and Templar Order remained true to the source material. The balance between past and present, a hallmark of the games, was a core element of the film’s structure, making it a unique addition to the Assassin’s Creed mythos rather than a simple retelling of an existing story.

Star Power and High-Production Value In Assassin’s Creed

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A major selling point for Assassin’s Creed was its impressive cast. Michael Fassbender not only starred as the lead but also served as a producer, demonstrating his commitment to the project. He was joined by an ensemble of talented actors, including Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and Michael K. Williams. The involvement of such well-regarded performers elevated expectations, giving the film credibility beyond being a typical video game adaptation.

Despite its ambitious approach, Assassin’s Creed faced a mixed reception at best upon its theatrical release in December 2016. While some praised its dedication to the source material and its action sequences, others found the plot convoluted and the pacing inconsistent. The film struggled at the box office, grossing $240 million worldwide against a budget of around $125 million—a respectable sum but not enough to justify a sequel.

Assassin’s Creed Gets A Second Chance on Streaming

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With its upcoming release on Max, Assassin’s Creed has a new opportunity to reach audiences who may have overlooked it during its initial run. Streaming platforms often give films a second life, allowing viewers to reassess them outside the high expectations of a theatrical debut. For those who are passionate about the Assassin’s Creed franchise, the film’s arrival on Max is an excellent chance to explore its interpretation of the Assassin-Templar conflict without the pressures of box office performance influencing their perception.

Max is an excellent chance to explore its interpretation of the Assassin-Templar conflict without the pressures of box office performance influencing their perception.

Moreover, video game adaptations have improved significantly in recent years. The success of shows like The Last of Us and films like Sonic the Hedgehog and Detective Pikachu has reshaped expectations for the genre. As more audiences become open to the idea of video game stories translating well to the big screen, Assassin’s Creed might find a more appreciative audience than it did in 2016.

The release of Assassin’s Creed on Max gives fans and newcomers alike the chance to reevaluate the film within the larger landscape of video game adaptations. While it may not have been a box office triumph, its commitment to the Assassin’s Creed mythos, impressive action sequences, and strong performances make it a fascinating entry in the genre. Whether it serves as a nostalgic revisit for longtime fans or a first-time experience for streaming audiences, Assassin’s Creed is poised to leave an impression on viewers once again when it arrives on Max on March 1.

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