Michael Fassbender has said that he was quite intimidated to play Macbeth on the big screen, Digital Spy reported.

The X-Men: Days of Future Past star portrays the Scottish King in Justin Kurzel's adaptation of the William Shakespeare play, opposite Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth.

"[It was] scary. I hope I did justice to it. It's pretty big boots to fill," Fassbender told PA.

"But I loved the experience and loved working with Justin and Marion. She's so courageous and such a wonderful actor to work with."

The drama, which is set for release in 2015, also stars Paddy Considine as Banquo, Elizabeth Debicki as Lady Macduff and Southcliffe actor Sean Harris as Macduff.

The 37-year-old added: "Paddy Considine, I've been a big fan of his for a long time, so it was great to do scenes with him as well."

Macbeth has previously been played on stage and in films by actors including James McAvoy, Ethan Hawke, Sam Worthington, Ian McKellen, and Toshiro Mifune.

The first posters for this new version of Macbeth were released recently, which feature both Fassbender and Cotillard.