From Rome to Netflix: Why the Assassin’s Creed Series is Betting Big on a New Legacy

As production shifts to Ancient Rome, the upcoming Assassin’s Creed adaptation promises a high-stakes, eight-episode spectacle with a dark, nuanced antagonist.

The dusty, sun-drenched ruins of Italy are currently playing host to one of the most ambitious projects in streaming history. Netflix is officially moving forward with its long-gestating Assassin’s Creed television series, and if early reports are anything to go by, it is looking to distance itself significantly from the mixed reception of the 2016 feature film. By setting its narrative in 64 AD, amidst the chaos and political intrigue of Ancient Rome, the platform is looking to ground the series in a fresh, historical aesthetic that fans have been clamouring for.

Eight Episodes and a Sinister Edge

Actor Ramzy Bedia, who is attached to the project, recently pulled back the curtain on what viewers can expect. In a candid conversation with France TV, Bedia confirmed that the Assassin’s Creed show will span eight episodes, promising a "very long" and dense viewing experience. He also provided a teaser regarding his own role, describing his character as a "very evil" presence, albeit one with "nuances"—a promising sign for those hoping for a layered, complex villain rather than a one-dimensional antagonist.

The production is clearly not skimping on quality. Bedia highlighted that the creators have secured a high budget, pouring massive resources into the show to ensure the scale matches the grandiosity of the video game franchise. With Roberto Patino, known for his work on Sons of Anarchy, and Halo veteran David Wiener leading the charge as showrunners and executive producers, the team is stacked with talent from prestige television backgrounds. The writing room is equally robust, featuring contributors from notable series like The Walking Dead: World Beyond.

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

This move represents a strategic pivot for Ubisoft. While the gaming giant is busy with the upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe and the long-awaited Black Flag Resynced—which hits shelves on July 9—the television arm is clearly being treated as a separate, prestige pillar of the brand.

For years, video game adaptations were treated as secondary content, often failing to capture the depth of their source material. However, we are seeing a shift in the industry; studios are now willing to bank on high budgets and top-tier creative teams to ensure these franchises hold their own alongside the most popular dramas on streaming platforms. Whether this iteration can replicate the cultural footprint of other major game-to-screen hits remains to be seen, but the sheer intent behind this production suggests that Netflix is aiming for nothing less than a massive, genre-defining spectacle.