Michael Fassbender promises a mix of old and new in the Assassin’s Creed movie

Ever since a big-screen adaptation of the Assassin’s Creed game franchise was announced, fans have wondered how the sprawling, time-hopping mythology of the game would make the transition from source material to theaters. During the promotional circuit for his upcoming movie Frank, Michael Fassbender — who will produce and star in the Assassin’s Creed movie — offered up some clues about what to expect from the much-anticipated adaptation.

“You know, we absolutely want to respect the game,” Fassbender told IGN. “There’s so much cool stuff in the game that we’re actually spoiled for choice in terms of what we can use and what we can’t, but we also want to bring new elements to it and perhaps our own version of things that already exist in the game. But we’re definitely making a feature film, and we’re approaching it as a feature film, as opposed to approaching it as a video game.”

Fassbender also debunked online rumors that he had departed from the project after being disappointed by an early version of the script. Not only is he still attached to the film (“Nothing has changed,” he said), but the X-Men: Days Of Future Past actor is having a meeting with the writers as soon as he returns to Europe.

“I love the world [of Assassin’s Creed],” he said, explaining what attracted him to the story. “I don’t really play that many video games, but when I met up with the guys from Ubisoft and they started to explain this whole world and the idea of DNA memory — you know, I think it’s a very feasible scientific theory. I just thought, ‘This is so rich,’ and about the possibility of it being this cinematic experience. So I’m really excited about it, and we’re working very hard to make sure that we’ve got the best and most exciting, original package.”

The actor also addressed the still-unofficial involvement of director Justin Kurzel, who Fassbender worked with on Macbeth and was reportedly in the final stages of signing a deal to helm the film.

“I just think that there’s one thing Justin should be doing, and that’s directing,” said Fassbender. “I know that from working with him on Macbeth. He’s just fantastic in terms of his vision. Adam, the DP that he works with, is amazing. They’ve got a great shorthand — that’s essential. He’s fantastic with actors and each department. He’s a real heavyweight.”

Assassin’s Creed is currently scheduled to hit theaters June 19, 2015.