Assassin's Creed: Into the Animus

Book excerpt: Become a part of history in this visually stunning exploration of the art and creation of the Assassin’s Creed film. Almost a decade after the release of Ubisoft’s massively popular action-adventure game, the world of Assassins and Templars now comes to the big screen with Assassin’s Creed, directed by Justin Kurzel. With two protagonists separated by centuries of history yet linked by their DNA, the film represents a uniquely intricate filmmaking experience, necessitating the re-creation of a historically accurate fifteenth-century Spain and a technologically advanced present. Assassin’s Creed: Into the Animus tells the full story behind the filmmaking journey, from the in-depth research into the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition to the intense shooting process in present-day Spain. Featuring the vivid concept art that helped bring the film to life, this deluxe volume also includes comprehensive imagery of the Assassins’ signature weapons, behind-the-scenes details on the creation of the Animus, and photography of the death-defying stunts that are a hallmark of the franchise. Also featuring exclusive interviews with Kurzel, the films’ incredible stunt and creative team, and key cast members—including Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard—Assassin’s Creed: Into the Animus captures the enthusiasm and vivid detail that Kurzel and his team brought to every stage of the film. Complete with removable artifacts such as parkour stunt schematics and Callum Lynch’s Animus Report, Assassin’s Creed: Into the Animus is the ultimate companion to this historic movie event.