Netflix news: Streaming giant announces ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series adaptation
It’s time to reenter the Animus, Assassin’s Creed is officially coming to life in live-action, and it’s landing on Netflix.
The streaming giant has given the go-ahead for the much-anticipated series adaptation of Ubisoft’s best-selling game franchise, and it’s bringing in some serious talent to make it happen.
Film News Blitz’s Dan Lawrence reports.
Bringing Assassin’s Creed to life on streaming
Emmy-nominated creators Roberto Patino (Westworld, DMZ) and David Wiener (Halo, Homecoming) have been tapped to serve as showrunners, writers, and executive producers.
Patino and Wiener’s boastful CVs should serve them well in delivering an Assassin’s Creed series befitting the lofty expectations of gaming fans.
"We've been fans of Assassin's Creed since its release in 2007. Every day we work on this show, we come away excited and humbled by the possibilities that Assassin's Creed opens to us," said Wiener and Patino in a joint statement.
"Beneath the scope, the spectacle, the parkour and the thrills is a baseline for the most essential kind of human story - about people searching for purpose, struggling with questions of identity and destiny and faith.
“It is about power and violence and sex and greed and vengeance.
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“But more than anything, this is a show about the value of human connection, across cultures, across time. And it's about what we stand to lose as a species, when those connections break.
“We've got an amazing team behind us with the folks at Ubisoft and our champions at Netflix, and we're committed to creating something undeniable for fans all over the planet."
The adaptation is described as a “high-octane thriller,” and just like the video game franchise, the show will explore the centuries-long conflict between two secret factions: the Assassins, who fight to protect free will, and the Templars, who believe peace can only come through control.
Moreover, inspired by the games, the series will jump across key moments in history, blending action, mystery, and philosophical battles in ways that longtime fans will instantly recognise and enjoy.
Ubisoft and Netflix relishing teaming up
"We are so excited to work alongside Roberto, David, and our Netflix partners to bring this beloved franchise to series," said Margaret Boykin, executive producer and head of content at Ubisoft Film & Television.
"We look forward to delivering an experience that speaks to the heart of what fans love about Assassin's Creed, while introducing its unforgettable worlds and timeless themes to new audiences worldwide."
It’s taken five years since Netflix and Ubisoft announced their team-up to get a show to the green light, but we are finally here.
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Netflix’s VP of Scripted Series, Peter Friedlander, said, "When we first announced our partnership with Ubisoft in 2020, we set out with an ambitious goal to bring the rich, expansive world of Assassin's Creed to life in bold new ways.
"Now, after years of dedicated collaboration, it's inspiring to see just how far that vision has come.
“Guided by the deft hands of Roberto Patino and David Wiener, the team has carefully crafted an epic adventure that both honours the legacy of the Assassin's Creed franchise and invites longtime fans and newcomers alike to experience the thrill of the Brotherhood as never before."
The Assassin’s Creed series is executive produced by Gerard Guillemot, Margaret Boykin, and Austin Dill for Ubisoft Film & Television, as well as Matt O'Toole, plus showrunners Wiener and Patino.
Banishing memories of a failed film adaptation
Of course, Netflix isn’t the first company to attempt an Assassin’s Creed adaptation.
In 2016, 20th Century Fox released an ill-fated film adaptation of Assassin’s Creed.
Directed by Justin Kurzel (Macbeth) and starring Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, and Jeremy Irons, the film ultimately proved to be a flop.
Despite high hopes and a hefty $125 million production budget, the film struggled both critically and commercially.
It grossed just over $240 million worldwide and was widely panned for its confusing plot and underwhelming execution, holding an 18% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
While some praised its stylish visuals and commitment to lore, the film ultimately failed to kick-start a cinematic universe—something this new Netflix series aims to change.
