Michael Fassbender began playing 'Assassins Creed' after signing on for movie

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Michael Fassbender said he signed on for the film adaptation of Assassins Creed before he had played any of the video games.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly Sunday, the actor revealed new photos for the upcoming historical action-adventure and shared how he eventually turned to the original source material to prepare for his role.

"I've played it since [being offered the job] mainly to get an idea of the physicality of the character," Fassbender explained. "We're striving to find something special. We believe the whole concept around it is special and want to service that the best we can."

"The fans are really passionate: very specific and they expect accuracy and historical detail. We're really trying to capitalize and feed on and enjoy the fun element. We're working hard to make this something special," he continued.

Staying faithful to the video game includes his original character created for the film, Callum Lynch, using the series signature hidden blades and Parkour in order to take down his enemies. Fassbender even had the opportunity to perform some of his own stunts.

"I've learned how to roly poly, tumble turn," the Oscar-nominated actor said. "Stuff you can do in everyday life. Like cartwheels. No—just basic fight choreography stuff. I did some horse stuff today. So stuff like that."

Based on the top-selling Ubisoft game of the same name, Assassin's Creed opens in theaters Dec. 21, 2016. The film's synopsis states that "Lynch discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society through unlocked genetic memories that allow him to relive the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th-century Spain. After gaining incredible knowledge and skills, he's poised to take on the oppressive Knight Templar in the present day."