The shooting of the film Assassin’s Creed in Malta has started, the Malta Independent has learnt.
The film, with the participation of Michael Fassbender, will be based on the video game and is set to be released in December 2016.
Part of the filming is taking place in Valletta.
Fassbender is famous for his roles in Shame, 12 years a slave and Macbeth.
Marion Cotillard stars alongside Fassbender, together with Michael Kenneth Williams and Ariane Labed.
Apart from Malta, shooting will take place in London and Spain.
Based on the wildly popular collection of videogames, New Regency’s live-action “Assassin’s Creed” will be directed by Justin Kurzel and released through Fox.
Fassbender’s character is named Callum Lynch, who hasn’t appeared in the “Assassin’s Creed” videogames but was created just for the film.
In a statement, the Malta Film Commission said it is pleased to announce that Assassin’s Creed has commenced shooting in Malta.
Assassin's Creed stars Academy Award nominee Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Days of Future Past, 12 Years a Slave - photo above) and Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises, La Vie en Rose - photo below). The film is directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Macbeth) and produced by New Regency, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, DMC Films and Kennedy/Marshall, with 20th Century Fox distributing. Assassin's Creed opens in theatres worldwide on December 21, 2016.
The story is about a revolutionary technology that unlocks genetic memories. Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) experiences the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th Century Spain. Callum discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.
Minister for Tourism, Edward Zammit Lewis, who is also responsible for the film industry, said that this is the 8th major production this year. It show that the strategy adopted by the Government is reaping benefits and ensuring consistency with back to back projects. This is the fastest growing economic niche in the Maltese economy and we are working hard to keep the momentum.
Film Commissioner Engelbert Grech, said that it's a great feat for the country to attract such a massive production. Malta has truly become a key film location. Assasin's Creed chose Malta following discussion with the Malta Film Commission and will benefit from incentives offered to productions filming in Malta.