Before 2016,video game movieshave never exactly struck it big at the box office. Before this year, only one movie, 2001’sLara Croft: Tomb Raider, had earned more than $100 million ($131.1 million) at the domestic box office, but this summer,The Angry Birds Movietook in $105.1 million domestically and $337.5 million worldwide, whileWarcraftbecame the highest-grossing video game adaptation worldwide with $430 million and counting, although only $46.5 million of that tally has come from the domestic market. Later this year, another high-profile video game movie will hit theaters,Assassin’s Creed, although it seems that the company behind the game itself isn’t expecting it to be a huge hit.
Assassin’s Creedfeatures an all-star cast includingMichael Fassbenderin the dual role ofCallum Lynchand his 15th Century descendant Aguilar, alongsideMarion Cotillard,Jeremy Irons,Brendan GleesonandMichael K. Williams. During a recent interview with MCV, Ubisoft’s European chiefAlain Correrevealed that they aren’t planning on making a lot of money from this movie, but it will be good for their brand’s image. Here’s what he had to say below.
“We are not going to earn a lot of money from it. It is a lot more a marketing thing, it is also good for the image of the brand. Although we will make some money, it is not the purpose of this movie. The purpose is to bringAssassin’s Creedto more people. We have our core fans, but what we would like is to put this franchise in front of a lot more people who, maybe, will then pick up futureAssassin’s Creedgames.”
Assassin’s Creedhas been given a December 21release date, with production wrapping back in January and thefirst trailerarriving in May. This adaptation will be facing plenty of competition at the box office, going up against Sony’s sci-fi thrillerPassengers, Universal’s animated movieSing, STX Enetertainment’s sci-fi adventureThe Space Between Usand 20th Century Fox’sWhy Him. The movie will also open just five days after Disney’s highly-anticipatedStar WarsspinoffRogue One: A Star Wars Story. Shortly after the initial interview was published, Ubisoft backed away fromAlain Corre’s interview by releasing a new statement.
“Ubisoft’s core vision is to create top quality entertainment and experiences. For theAssassin’s Creedfilm, we have worked closely with our partners at New Regency and 20th Century Fox as well as the talented cast and production team from the very beginning to ensure we deliver a quality experience to ours fans. We strongly believe theAssassin’s Creedbrand has this cross-over appeal that will please both video games fans and movie goers.”
The supporting cast includesAriane Labed,Callum Turner,Brian Gleeson,Matias PadinandDenis Menochet.Justin Kurzel, who directed bothMichael FassbenderandMarion CotillardinMacbethlast year, directs from a script byBill Collage,Adam CooperandMichael Leslie. We also reported in March that New Regency is already moving forward and developingAssassin’s Creed 2, withMichael Fassbenderexpected to return, although the studio has not set a release date at this time.
