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| Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed series will be set in ancient Rome. |
The long wait for a proper return to the world of the Hidden Blade is finally over. After years of speculation and a 2016 film adaptation that left fans divided, the live-action Assassin’s Creed series for Netflix has officially begun production. And according to the latest intel from the Animus, we are going back to where the empire began—or rather, where it burned.
Netflix has pulled back the curtain on the highly anticipated project, confirming that the series will be set in ancient Rome in 64 AD. This marks a significant departure from the Renaissance-era Rome explored in Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (currently available for around $15 on Humble Bundle), jumping back roughly 1,440 years to the volatile reign of Emperor Nero.
A Standalone Story Rooted in the Core Conflict
According to the official logline released by Netflix, the series will remain faithful to the franchise’s central philosophical war. It is described as a "high-octane thriller" centered on the secret struggle between two shadowy factions: one seeking to control humanity’s future through manipulation, and the other fighting to preserve free will.
While the premise is classic Assassin’s Creed, the narrative itself appears to be an original story, untethered directly from the plot of any specific video game. However, given the franchise’s lore—where memories are accessed through the Animus—there is still potential for connective tissue to familiar faces like Ezio Auditore, though that remains pure speculation for now.
The Creative Team and Cast Assemble in Rome
Production is currently underway at the historic Cinecittà Studios in Rome, a location synonymous with cinematic grandeur. Leading the charge are creators, showrunners, and executive producers Roberto Patino (known for Westworld and Sons of Anarchy) and David Wiener (Halo, Homecoming).
In a joint statement, the pair expressed their commitment to honoring the source material. “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,” they said.
The ensemble cast is a mix of rising stars and seasoned talent. Series regulars include Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing), Toby Wallace (Euphoria Season 3), and Claes Bang (The Square). They are joined by a stellar recurring lineup featuring Noomi Rapace (Prometheus) and Sean Harris (Mission: Impossible — Fallout).
For a full breakdown of the cast and characters (where details are currently under oath of secrecy), you can visit the official announcement on Netflix Tudum.
From the 2016 Film to a 2027 Premiere
Fans on Reddit have reacted with cautious optimism. While many are thrilled about the ancient Roman setting—calling the era of Nero and the Great Fire of Rome "tailor-made" for the franchise’s trademark political intrigue—there is a collective hope that Netflix has learned from the missteps of the 2016 film adaptation, which currently holds a modest 5.1 rating on Moviepilot due to criticisms regarding its confusing plot and underdeveloped characters.
With production now officially underway, the series is expected to premiere sometime in 2027, although Netflix has yet to confirm a specific release date. As the Brotherhood continues to assemble in Rome, it seems the streaming giant is betting that this leap into the past will finally deliver the definitive live-action adaptation fans have been waiting for.