Netflix is turning the popular Assassin’s Creed gaming franchise into a live-action series
Netflix is stepping into the world of video games again, this time bringing one of Ubisoft’s most iconic franchises—Assassin’s Creed—to life. After years of buzz and speculation, the streaming giant has confirmed a live-action Assassin’s Creed series is on the way. The move aligns with Netflix’s push into game-based content, following successful titles like The Witcher and Castlevania. With Assassin’s Creed offering deep lore and historical drama, expectations are naturally high.
So, what can fans look forward to? And will this project finally break the curse of failed game adaptations?
A Franchise Built for Storytelling
Since 2007, the Assassin’s Creed games have sold over 200 million copies. Each title blends historical fiction, philosophy, and fast-paced stealth action. Players journey through time, reliving memories of ancient ancestors via the Animus. They’ve explored eras like the Italian Renaissance, Ancient Egypt, and the American Revolution.
The franchise’s rich timelines and themes offer perfect material for long-form television storytelling. Netflix seems well aware of that potential.
Veteran Creators at the Helm
Netflix has enlisted heavy hitters to lead the adaptation. Roberto Patino, known for Westworld and Sons of Anarchy, serves as showrunner and executive producer. He teams up with David Wiener, who worked on Halo and Homecoming.
The writing team features talent from Watchmen, Station Eleven, and The Walking Dead. Ubisoft is also closely involved through its in-house film and television division. This collaboration suggests Netflix wants to stay true to the series’ essence.
What’s the Story?
Details about the plot remain limited. However, insiders suggest the series will follow the franchise’s core conflict—the ancient war between the Assassins and the Templars. These secret groups battle over humanity’s fate, with one defending free will and the other pushing for control.
Netflix is likely to introduce a new protagonist, rather than replicate the stories of fan favorites like Ezio, Bayek, or Altaïr. At the same time, teasers hint at strong ties to the game’s legacy. Music, symbols, and references to the Animus should appeal to longtime fans.
This fresh take mirrors Netflix’s strategy with The Witcher, where new content and established lore coexist to draw in both gamers and newcomers.
Learning from the Movie Mistake
The 2016 Assassin’s Creed film, starring Michael Fassbender, failed to meet expectations. Despite a big budget and strong cast, the movie fell flat with both critics and fans. Its short runtime left little room for deep storytelling.
A series format offers more flexibility. With multiple episodes, writers can explore historical settings, character arcs, and philosophical questions in greater depth. Streaming platforms have already proven this format works—just look at Arcane, Fallout, or The Last of Us.
Netflix seems committed to taking its time to build something that lasts.
Why Assassin’s Creed Fits the Small Screen
Several elements make Assassin’s Creed a great candidate for television:
- Time travel through memory – The dual timelines provide a natural structure for switching between the past and present.
- Endless storylines – Each historical setting could serve as a self-contained season with new characters and conflicts.
- Ethical complexity – Neither side is entirely good or bad, which leads to thought-provoking narratives.
- High-action visuals – Parkour, stealth, and stylized combat are perfect for cinematic set pieces.
- Global appeal – The settings, from Florence to Cairo to Paris, attract a diverse international audience.
Release Timeline and Production
Netflix confirmed the greenlight in July 2025, but they haven’t announced a release date yet. Given the scale and attention to detail such a show demands, production will likely take time. Most experts estimate a premiere in late 2026 or early 2027.
Casting details, trailers, or even behind-the-scenes footage should start appearing in the coming months.
The Stakes Are High
Adapting Assassin’s Creed is no small task. The fanbase is passionate, and past failures in the gaming-to-screen genre have set a high bar. Still, Netflix seems to be learning from others’ mistakes. They’re assembling top-tier creators and working closely with Ubisoft. Their goal appears to be a faithful, yet fresh, interpretation.
If this adaptation succeeds, it could open the door for a long-running series. Each season might explore a new timeline, a new assassin, and a new philosophical dilemma—just like the games.
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed project isn’t just another show. It’s a potential milestone in how video games are brought to life on screen. With strong creative leadership, built-in global appeal, and a fanbase eager for redemption after the 2016 film, the series has everything it needs to succeed.
Now, the question is simple: can they deliver?
