After years of speculation, development delays, and creative turnover, Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Ubisoft’s iconic franchise Assassin’s Creed is finally taking shape.
The project, first announced in 2020, has now reached a major milestone with Toby Wallace (The Society, Euphoria) confirmed as the first cast member. Filming is officially targeting an early 2026 production start in Rome, Italy, signalling that the streamer is ready to bring one of gaming’s richest worlds into a new cinematic universe.
With its blend of historical fiction, philosophical warfare, and high-stakes adventure, Assassin’s Creed has long been a dream property for Hollywood but also a notoriously difficult one to adapt. Netflix’s approach, guided by Roberto Patino (Westworld) and David Wiener (Homecoming), promises to stay true to the franchise’s complex lore while expanding it for a broader audience.
“We want to honour the heart of the franchise, the battle between freedom and control, while grounding it in a deeply human story,” said co-showrunner Roberto Patino during a recent industry event.
Series Overview
| Title | Assassin’s Creed (Live-Action Series) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Historical Action / Sci-Fi / Thriller |
| Showrunners & Creators | Roberto Patino (Westworld), David Wiener (Homecoming) |
| Producers | Gerard Guillemot, Margaret Boykin, Austin Dill (Ubisoft Film & TV), Matt O’Toole |
| Co-Executive Producers | Claire Kiechel, Jaquén Castellanos |
| Confirmed Cast | Toby Wallace (The Society, Euphoria) |
| Filming Start | Q1 2026 (Targeted) |
| Primary Location | Rome, Italy |
| Setting (Era) | Ancient Rome — late Roman Republic |
| Based on | Assassin’s Creed franchise by Ubisoft |
| Distributor | Netflix (Worldwide) |
| Expected Release | Late 2026 or Early 2027 (TBA) |
A Legacy Built Over Centuries: The World of Assassin’s Creed
Since its launch in 2007, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series has become one of gaming’s most ambitious and best-selling franchises. Spanning more than a dozen mainline titles, it transports players across civilisations and eras from the Italian Renaissance and Ancient Egypt to Feudal Japan and Viking-era England.
The narrative centers on the centuries-long war between two secret societies:
- The Assassin Brotherhood, who fight to preserve free will.
- The Templar Order, who seek to impose order and control.
This ideological battle is mirrored across generations through the Animus, a technology developed by modern-day corporation Abstergo Industries. Using the Animus, individuals relive the genetic memories of their ancestors, allowing the series to explore epic historical backdrops while connecting them to present-day conflicts.
“Assassin’s Creed has always been about freedom not just of body, but of mind,” said Margaret Boykin, head of Ubisoft Film & Television. “The show’s setting in Ancient Rome gives us a rich new canvas to explore those themes.”
Plot: What Will the Netflix Adaptation Cover?
While Netflix and Ubisoft remain tight-lipped about the exact storyline, early reports suggest the series will centre on Ancient Rome, marking the first major live-action portrayal of this era in the Assassin’s Creed universe.
Possible Story Setting: The Late Roman Republic
Sources indicate that the show could unfold during the final decades of the Roman Republic (circa 50 BCE), a time of political upheaval, betrayal, and shifting ideologies.
- Historical Figures Likely to Appear: Gaius Julius Caesar, Pompey, Brutus, and Cleopatra.
- Historical Events in Focus: The Gallic Wars, Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon, and the collapse of the Republic.
- Possible Themes: Power versus freedom, loyalty, rebellion, and the price of revolution.
While the fan-favorite character Ezio Auditore will not appear, the Italian setting echoes the spirit of Assassin’s Creed II and Brotherhood.
“Ancient Rome gives us scale, politics, and moral ambiguity,” said co-showrunner David Wiener. “It’s a world where the creed could have been born.”
The Creative Team: Blending Prestige and Action
The series will be helmed by an impressive creative duo — Roberto Patino (Westworld, Sons of Anarchy) and David Wiener (Homecoming, Brave New World).
They’ll be joined by Gerard Guillemot and Margaret Boykin from Ubisoft Film & Television, ensuring that the adaptation remains faithful to the lore while appealing to newcomers.
Confirmed writers, according to the WGA, include:
- Sanaz Toossi (English),
- Sam Reynolds,
- Daniel Goldberg, and
- Tom Hemmings (Black Mirror).
| Role | Talent | Previous Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Showrunner | Roberto Patino | Westworld, Sons of Anarchy |
| Co-Showrunner | David Wiener | Homecoming, Fear the Walking Dead |
| Executive Producers | Gerard Guillemot, Margaret Boykin, Austin Dill, Matt O’Toole | Ubisoft Film & Television |
| Staff Writers | Sanaz Toossi, Sam Reynolds, Daniel Goldberg, Tom Hemmings | Black Mirror, English |
This mix of seasoned sci-fi writers and historical world-builders hints at a narrative with both intellectual depth and cinematic scope similar to the tone of Westworld or Vikings: Valhalla.
Cast: First Assassin Confirmed
The first confirmed cast member is Toby Wallace, who has signed on as a series regular and co-lead. Wallace is best known for Netflix’s The Society and HBO’s Euphoria.
While his character’s name and role remain under wraps, insiders suggest he could play a Roman Assassin operative navigating loyalty between the Brotherhood and the Republic’s political elite.
| Actor | Role (TBA) | Previous Works |
|---|---|---|
| Toby Wallace | Series Regular / Co-Lead | The Society, Euphoria |
Netflix and Ubisoft are expected to announce additional cast members by mid-2026, including several international stars to reflect the franchise’s global scale.
Production Details: Filming and Locations
According to Production Weekly (Issue 1465, August 13, 2025), Assassin’s Creed is listed as “Pre-Production — Q1 2026 Start.”
Key Details
- Filming Start: Early 2026 (Tentative January–March window).
- Primary Filming Location: Rome, Italy.
- Studio Partner: Cinecittà Studios, Rome (expected).
- Status: Pre-production and casting underway.
Ubisoft’s film division has reportedly been working closely with Italian historical consultants to ensure authenticity in architecture, costumes, and language. The decision to shoot in Rome aligns with Netflix’s growing investment in European production hubs like Spain and Italy.
Expected Release Window
While Netflix has not officially announced a release date, the current production timeline suggests:
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Pre-Production | August 2025 – February 2026 |
| Filming | March 2026 – August 2026 |
| Post-Production | Fall 2026 – Early 2027 |
| Expected Release | Late 2026 or Early 2027 |
Given the heavy use of visual effects and complex historical sets, the series is expected to have a 12–18 month post-production cycle.
Why Fans Are Excited?
The Assassin’s Creed universe spans thousands of years and dozens of historical settings, making it ripe for expansion. Insiders suggest that Netflix and Ubisoft plan to build a multi-series shared universe, with spin-offs exploring other time periods, possibly including:
- Feudal Japan (similar to the upcoming game Assassin’s Creed: Red)
- Ancient Egypt (inspired by Origins)
- Victorian London (Syndicate timeline)
“We see Assassin’s Creed not just as a show, but as a franchise ecosystem,” said Gerard Guillemot of Ubisoft. “This is only the beginning.”
Conclusion
With its ambitious creative team, authentic European production, and a setting steeped in political intrigue, Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed series could become the definitive live-action adaptation of one of gaming’s most enduring legacies.
If executed well, it won’t just be a standalone project; it could be the foundation for a long-running Assassin’s Creed cinematic universe, blending historical drama, philosophy, and action in ways only this franchise can.
For now, all eyes are on Rome, where the creed’s next generation will soon be written.
FAQs
Toby Wallace has been announced as the first confirmed cast member and co-lead.
Filming is expected to start in Q1 2026 in Rome, Italy.
Showrunners Roberto Patino and David Wiener will lead, with Ubisoft Film & Television producing.
The series will reportedly take place in Ancient Rome during the late Roman Republic.
No official release date has been announced, but late 2026 or early 2027 seems most likely.
