Michael Fassbender balances the past and present in a pair of new photos from "Assassin's Creed," the upcoming action-adventure inspired by Ubisoft's hit video game franchise.

In the first image we see Fassbender as 15th-century swordsman Aguilar, and in the second as his present-day descendant Callum Lynch.

Directed by Justin Kurzel, the Fox adaptation introduces Lynch, who, through a revolutionary technology that unlocks genetic memories, is able to experience the life of his ancestor Aguilar in 15th-century Spain. He discovers he’s descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.

Opening Dec. 21, “Assassin’s Creed” also stars Marion Cotillard, Michael K. Williams, Jeremy Irons and Brendan Gleeson.