Assassin’s Creed Netflix Series Set in Ancient Rome – 64 AD Confirmed

Netflix’s upcoming live-action Assassin’s Creed series is officially set in Ancient Rome, kicking off in the tumultuous year 64 AD. The confirmation, which arrived via Ubisoft’s social media channels, solidifies earlier reports pointing to a Roman Empire setting and provides a precise timeline for the highly anticipated adaptation of the popular video game franchise.

For fans of the Assassin’s Creed universe, this isn’t entirely modern territory. The franchise has explored historical settings extensively, but this particular era of Rome offers a unique and volatile backdrop for the clandestine war between Assassins and Templars. The choice of 64 AD is particularly significant, marking the year two-thirds of the city was ravaged by a devastating fire – an event whose origins remain shrouded in mystery to this day.

A City Ablaze, A Reign of Suspicion

The Great Fire of Rome, as it became known, wasn’t just a physical catastrophe; it ignited a period of intense political and social upheaval. Emperor Nero, desperate to deflect blame, infamously accused the burgeoning Christian community of arson, initiating a wave of persecution. This climate of fear and suspicion, coupled with Nero’s increasingly erratic behavior, provides fertile ground for the kind of intrigue and conspiracy that defines the Assassin’s Creed narrative. Engadget notes that the series could explore the period of Nero’s rule between 54 and 68 AD.

Adding another layer of complexity, 65 AD saw a failed assassination attempt against Nero himself. While he survived, the plot further destabilized his reign and foreshadowed the civil war that would erupt after his death in 68 AD. The series, has a wealth of historical events to draw upon, offering ample opportunities to weave the Assassin-Templar conflict into the fabric of Roman history.

Beyond the Games: A New Roman Story

While the Assassin’s Creed franchise has previously visited Rome – most notably in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, set over a millennium later – the Netflix series is expected to inform an original story. Unlike the games, which often feature established historical figures as key characters, the series will likely focus on new protagonists navigating the treacherous political landscape of Nero’s Rome. But, the confirmation that Nero himself will feature prominently suggests that the show won’t shy away from incorporating real historical events and personalities.

The series is already shaping up to have a substantial cast, led by Toby Wallace (known for his role in Babyteeth), Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing), and Laura Marcus (The Jetty). Joining them are Tanzyn Crawford, Zachary Hart, Nabhaan Rizwan, Claes Bang, Noomi Rapace, Ramzy Bedia, Sean Harris, Corrado Invernizzi, Sandra Guldberg Kamp, Youseff Kerkour, and Mirren Mack. The ensemble cast hints at a complex narrative with multiple interwoven storylines.

From Video Game to Streaming: A Long Development Journey

The road to a live-action Assassin’s Creed series has been a lengthy one. Netflix first announced plans to adapt the video game franchise back in 2017, but the project languished in development for five years before gaining significant momentum. The greenlight finally came in July 2023, and casting announcements began earlier this month. This extended development period suggests a careful and deliberate approach to bringing the beloved franchise to the screen.

The partnership between Netflix and Ubisoft, the creators of Assassin’s Creed, is a significant one in the evolving landscape of video game adaptations. Netflix has been increasingly investing in projects based on popular game IPs, recognizing the potential to tap into established fanbases. Reddit discussions surrounding the series highlight the anticipation among gamers, but also a degree of caution, given the mixed track record of previous video game adaptations.

Filming Underway in Italy

As of March 10, 2026, filming for the series is officially underway in Rome, Italy, as reported by Instagram. This on-location shooting promises to lend authenticity to the series’ depiction of Ancient Rome, immersing viewers in the sights and sounds of the era. The production team is likely facing logistical challenges in recreating the ancient city, but the potential rewards – a visually stunning and historically immersive series – are substantial.

The series is described as a “high-octane thriller centered on the secret war between two shadowy factions,” a description that aligns with the core themes of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. While details about the plot remain scarce, fans can expect a blend of action, intrigue, and historical drama, all set against the backdrop of one of history’s most iconic cities.

Currently, there’s no confirmed launch date for the Assassin’s Creed series on Netflix. Production is underway, and post-production will inevitably seize several months. Given the scale of the project and the complexities of visual effects, a late 2026 or early 2027 release window seems plausible, though Netflix has not yet offered any specific guidance. The streaming giant will likely be closely monitoring the reception of other high-profile video game adaptations as it finalizes its release strategy.