First look at Ben Kingsley as Mazar Rackham in Ender’s Game

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Ben Kingsley, who is about to knock some folks on their ass as The Mandarin in IRON MAN 3, has been revealed as the tatoo-faced Mazar Rackham in director Gavin Hood‘s adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s ENDER’S GAME. The chameleon-like actor seems pleased with the role and explains the character as mysterious, but rich with history.

“In the script, which I think is beautifully written, what come across is the authority and mystery. There’s quite a lot said about him in the story before you see him — by the recruits and by his fellow officers — and that’s useful as far as preparations.”

Kingsley goes on to explain the face tattoos, which have much more meaning than some bad decisions made under the influence while in college.

“Every gesture in the tattoo carries family history, family struggles – it’s your past,” the actor says. “I was so enthralled. He’s in quite a contained, stylized uniform but then this wonderful face tells his warrior history.”

Here’s the synopsis:

After an alien race called the Formics attacks Earth, the International Fleet prepare for the next invasion by training the best young children to find the future leader to lead the International Military. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a shy but strategically brilliant boy, is pulled out of his school to join International Fleet and attend the legendary Battle School. After easily mastering the increasingly difficult war games, distinguishing himself and winning respect among his peers, Ender is soon ordained by Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) as the military’s next great hope, resulting in his promotion to Command School. Once there, he’s trained by Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley) himself to lead the military into a war that will determine the future of Earth and the human race.

ENDER’S GAME, starring Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Asa Butterfield, Abigail Breslin, Hailee Steinfeld, and Viola Davis, starts playing on November 1, 2013.