Frank Takes Over "Assassin's Creed" Film Script

"Minority Report" and "The Wolverine" scribe Scott Frank has been tasked with to perform re-writes on the film adaptation of New Regency Enterprises and Ubisoft's proposed film adaptation of the acclaimed "Assassin's Creed" video game series.

Frank told Creative Screenwriting: "I’m rewriting Assassin’s Creed right now, and what I love about it is that I’ve never adapted a video game before and it has its own set of challenges. Especially in the world of rewrites, I love trying to do something completely different if I can."

Michael Lesslie wrote the previous drafts of the screenplay.

The story follows Desmond Miles, a bartender who is a descendant of several lines of prominent assassins. The story weaves between present day and ancient times as Miles squares off with the Knights Templar.

Michael Fassbender is set to star in and produce the film.

Ubisoft will work closely to develop and co-produce with New Regency who is partly financing. The aim is to have a director, cast and script in place by next Summer. There's also plans to tie in the release of the film with a new game launch.

The first game was set in the Middle East during the time of the Crusades, the second through fourth games took place during the Italian Renaissance with the action centered around various Italian cities and in Ottoman-era Constantinople. The upcoming fifth game, "Assassin's Creed III", is set during the American Revolutionary War.

The series has sold more than 38 million units worldwide since 2007.

The film hopes to begin production early next year ahead of a Summer 2015 release.