Netflix is set to launch a new adaptation of the popular video game franchise Assassin’s Creed, aiming to revitalize interest in a series that has struggled in the transition from screen to screen. The streaming giant announced the live-action series in July 2025, marking a significant move in the ongoing trend of video game adaptations, which have gained traction on platforms like Prime Video and HBO Max.
Despite the franchise’s success in the gaming world, with 14 main series titles that have garnered a dedicated following, its previous cinematic endeavor in 2016 was met with disappointment. The film, which starred Michael Fassbender, failed to resonate with audiences, leading to a combined production and marketing cost of approximately $240 million. Now, Netflix hopes to create a series that captures the essence of the games and their rich storytelling.
Production for the series will take place in Atlanta, with an impressive cast that includes Laura Marcus, Zachary Hart, Lola Petticrew, and Toby Wallace in yet-to-be-revealed roles. The creative team behind the project features Robert Patino, known for his work on Westworld and Sons of Anarchy, alongside David Weiner, who has experience with Halo and The Killing.
While Netflix has remained tight-lipped about specific plot details, they describe the series as “a high-octane thriller centered on the secret war between two shadowy factions.” This premise reflects the overarching themes of the Assassin’s Creed universe, where characters navigate pivotal historical events while battling for control over humanity’s fate.
A significant advantage of a television format is its capacity to delve deeper into the franchise’s lore. The narrative conceit of a modern individual reliving their ancestors’ memories can be explored more thoroughly, allowing for a richer storytelling experience. The series has the potential to immerse viewers in various historical contexts, such as Renaissance Italy, the Holy Lands during the Crusades, and the American Revolutionary War, offering a chance to meet historical figures at critical moments in their lives.
The previous film adaptation did not have the luxury of time to adequately cover the multiple timelines and story arcs present in the games. A television series could provide the necessary space to develop character arcs and plotlines, giving fans a more satisfying exploration of the Assassin’s Creed world.
As anticipation builds for Netflix’s adaptation, it remains to be seen how effectively the series will translate the essence of the games into a compelling narrative. This new venture represents not only a chance for redemption for the franchise but also an opportunity for Netflix to solidify its place in the competitive landscape of video game adaptations. The success of previous animated series like Castlevania and Arcane adds to the optimism surrounding this project, although a live-action series introduces unique challenges.
The stakes are high for Netflix as it embarks on this ambitious journey. Fans of the franchise are hopeful that the streaming giant can finally deliver a series that does justice to the beloved game series, transforming past disappointments into a thrilling new chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga.
