Michael Fassbender hopes his Macbeth will inspire a whole new generation of schoolchildren who are studying the classic play. The actor stars opposite Marion Cotillard in Justin Kurzel’s adaption of the Shakespeare play which premieres tonight (September 27th) at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre.

Michael FassbenderMichael Fassbender in Macbeth.

“Shakespeare is a genius. The one thing I kept saying to Justin is, ‘If we can inspire the kids, that would be wonderful,” Fassbender said. “It’s an arrogant thing for me to presume that they weren’t already inspired by it but I’m talking from my own experience.”

More: Macbeth: Could This Be Michael Fassbender's Oscar Winning Role?

“I hope 15-year-olds who are doing it as a part of their exams see the movie and find fresh and new things and see that it’s not so far removed.” Macbeth was first shown at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival in May, winning rave reviews from critics.

The Telegraph’s Robbie Collins gave the film five stars writing, “After seeing Fassbender and Cotillard in these roles, the thought of ever seeing anyone else play them fades into irrelevance.”

While The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw said, “Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard are a dream-team pairing, actors who radiate charisma, perhaps more charisma than can be entirely absorbed into the fabric of the film.”

Scottish tourism bosses are hoping that the movie will bring renewed interest in the real Scottish king and have launched a new guide where fans can follow in the footsteps of Macbeth. Much of the film was shot on location on the Isle of Skye last year, with scenes taking place at the Old Man of Storr, Glen Brittle forest, the Fairy Pools and Sligachan Glen.

More: Michael Fassbender And Marion Cotillard Bring A New Kind Of 'Macbeth' To Cannes

“This movie is fantastic for tourism. Not only will it encourage people to explore locations associated with the real Scottish king but the Skye scenery could be a magnet for thousands of visitors,” said VisitScotland boss Malcolm Roughead.

Macbeth hits UK cinemas on October 2nd. You can watch the film's teaser trailer here: