Okay, can we just all collectively agree that Justin Kurzel’s “Assassin’s Creed” doesn’t exist? The world would be better (as would many careers) if the Michael Fassbender video game adaptation just never happened. So, with that being said, we have some good news! Kurzel has his next project lined up, and he’s arranged two of the biggest stars in the world to lead the cast.
Actors Margot Robbie and Matthias Schoenaerts have agreed to star in the upcoming World War II thriller “Ruin,” from director Kurzel. “Ruin” tells the story of a Holocaust survivor (Robbie), who is forced to make an unlikely alliance with an ex-SS captain (Schoenaerts) in an attempt to seek revenge. Together, the duo will hunt down members of the captain’s former Nazi death squad.
Robbie, of course, is a household name at this point. The Academy Award-nominated actress is probably best known for her work in “I, Tonya,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and, sadly, “Suicide Squad.” However, her upcoming film slate is even more impressive, highlighted by a starring role in “Mary Queen of Scots” and a supporting role in the upcoming Tarantino film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
For the average filmgoer, Schoenaerts is still a bit of an unknown. However, for many Playlist readers and film fans, in general, the actor is one of the best around. He’s probably best known for roles in “Rust and Bone,” “Bullhead,” and “The Danish Girl.” In addition, he was most recently seen in “Red Sparrow,” which starred Jennifer Lawrence. His upcoming film slate is pretty incredible, as well, with roles in Terrence Malick’s “Radegund,” “Kursk” (making its debut at this year’s TIFF), and “Close Enemies,” which recently premiered at Venice.
As mentioned above, Kurzel did briefly strike out with the recent “Assassin’s Creed,” but before then was one of the best up-and-coming directors in the world. Most people probably know his work in the film “Macbeth,” which competed for the Palme d’Or at the 2015 Cannes.
“Ruin” is written by Ryan and Matthew Firpo, and the script was at the top of the coveted Black List. Both have had extensive work in documentaries before writing this WWII thriller.
“Ruin” doesn’t have a release date, but production is expected to begin in the first half of 2019.