Paris, France – October 26, 2023 – A storm is brewing in the Caribbean waters of the gaming community. Matt Ryan, the acclaimed actor who brought the charismatic pirate Edward Kenway to life in 2013's Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, has made startling allegations against Ubisoft, claiming the publisher threatened him with legal action after he playfully teased a potential remake of the beloved title during a convention appearance.
The incident reportedly stems from Ryan's participation in a panel at MCM Comic Con London earlier this month. According to Ryan and multiple fan accounts present, when asked about the possibility of returning to the role, Ryan responded with suggestive enthusiasm, allegedly saying something along the lines of, "Wouldn't that be something? I might just have to dust off the old robes... keep an eye out," accompanied by a knowing smile. This vague hint was enough to ignite fervent speculation online about a long-rumored Black Flag remake.
Ryan, best known to TV audiences for his role as John Constantine, took to social media to express his dismay. "Utterly bewildered," Ryan posted on X (formerly Twitter). "After sharing some harmless, hopeful fun with fans about potentially revisiting Edward Kenway – a character and experience I cherish – I was contacted by representatives of Ubisoft. To my shock, they threatened legal action against me. For what? For expressing enthusiasm for a project fans have been begging for? It feels heavy-handed and deeply disappointing."
Ubisoft, when contacted for comment, provided its standard corporate line: "We do not comment on rumors or speculation." They did not address Ryan's specific allegations regarding legal threats. Sources within the company, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, suggest the reaction stems from a strict internal policy concerning the control of unannounced projects and intellectual property. Any perceived confirmation, even jokingly, by someone associated with a franchise, can trigger significant legal and PR protocols.
The situation highlights the intense secrecy surrounding major game development, particularly for remakes of iconic titles. Rumors of a Black Flag remake or significant remaster have swirled for years, fueled by the game's enduring popularity. Fan demand remains exceptionally high, evidenced by consistent player numbers years after release. Recent data underscores this ongoing appeal:
The actor's comments at MCM London quickly went viral within the Assassin's Creed community. The tweet capturing the moment ignited widespread discussion:
Fan reaction to Ubisoft's alleged legal threat has been overwhelmingly negative. Many view it as an overreaction against a passionate actor who is deeply connected to the fanbase. "Matt Ryan is Edward Kenway for so many of us," commented one longtime fan on Reddit. "Him getting excited about maybe coming back should be a cause for celebration for Ubisoft, not lawsuits. It feels like they're punishing a fan." Others expressed concern that such tactics could deter talent from engaging openly with communities in the future.
Industry analysts note that while companies must protect unrevealed projects, the handling of this situation appears clumsy. "Legal threats against a beloved voice actor for what was clearly an off-the-cuff, non-specific remark at a fan event is terrible optics," said Maria Garcia, a veteran gaming industry commentator. "It damages the relationship with the talent, alienates the passionate fanbase Ubisoft relies on, and ironically, pours more fuel on the very rumor fire they were trying to extinguish. A quiet, internal conversation would likely have sufficed."
The fallout raises questions: Was there genuine intent behind Ryan's tease, implying he knew something concrete? Or was it simply an actor expressing a shared fan hope? And does Ubisoft's aggressive response inadvertently lend credence to the long-standing rumors of a Black Flag remake being in active development?
For now, Matt Ryan is left bewildered by corporate machinery, fans are rallying behind him, and Ubisoft remains silent beyond its "no comment" stance. Whether Edward Kenway will ever officially set sail again remains shrouded in mystery, but the controversy has certainly ensured that the rumored remake is now front and center in the gaming world's consciousness, albeit under a cloud of legal threats and bruised feelings.
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