Netflix's Assassin's Creed series officially set in Ancient Rome, 64 AD
Ubisoft reveals Netflix's Assassin's Creed will explore Ancient Rome at its most chaotic moment. Set during Nero's reign, the Great Fire, and Christian persecution, it's the first time the franchise tackles actual Roman Empire history.
Netflix's live-action Assassin's Creed series will kick off in Ancient Rome during 64 AD, Ubisoft confirmed via social media. The historically turbulent year — marked by the Great Fire of Rome and Emperor Nero's persecution of Christians — offers rich material for the franchise's signature blend of historical events and fictional intrigue.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix's Assassin's Creed series will be set in Ancient Rome starting in 64 AD during Emperor Nero's reign.
- The series will cover the Great Fire of Rome and the assassination plot against Nero in 65 AD.
- The ensemble cast is led by Toby Wallace, Lola Petticrew, and Laura Marcus with 14 actors confirmed.
- Filming has begun in Italy though no official release date has been announced yet.
- This marks the first live-action Assassin's Creed adaptation set during the actual Roman Empire period.
Why 64 AD is perfect for Assassin's Creed
According to historians, 64 AD represents one of Rome's most chaotic periods, making it ideal for an Assassin's Creed narrative. Two-thirds of the city was destroyed by fire that year, an event whose cause remains historically debated. Emperor Nero used the disaster as justification for widespread Christian persecution, seeking scapegoats for the catastrophe.
The following year brought an assassination plot against Nero himself — exactly the kind of political intrigue the Assassin's Creed franchise thrives on. While the plot failed historically, it sets up compelling dramatic possibilities for the series.
This period ultimately led to Nero's downfall in 68 AD and pushed the empire toward civil war. For a franchise built around hidden conflicts shaping history, it's practically gift-wrapped material.
How this differs from previous Roman settings
The Assassin's Creed franchise has visited Rome before, most notably in Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. However, that game was set over 1,000 years later during the Renaissance, when the Roman Empire was ancient history. This Netflix adaptation marks the first time the franchise explores Rome during its actual imperial period.
The series is believed to tell an original story rather than adapting existing games. This gives the writers freedom to explore new characters and storylines within the established Assassin's Creed mythology, whilst drawing from genuine historical events like Nero's Olympic victories and the growing unrest within the empire.
Who's starring in the Ancient Rome epic
The ensemble cast is led by Toby Wallace (Babyteeth), Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing), and Laura Marcus (The Jetty). The supporting cast includes Tanzyn Crawford, Zachary Hart, Nabhaan Rizwan, Claes Bang, Noomi Rapace, Ramzy Bedia, Sean Harris, Corrado Invernizzi, Sandra Guldberg Kamp, Youssef Kerkour, and Mirren Mack.
With 14 confirmed cast members, the series appears to be taking an ensemble approach rather than focusing on a single protagonist. This could allow for multiple storylines following different characters across the Assassin and Templar conflict.
What this means for Netflix's game adaptations
Netflix's Assassin's Creed series joins an increasingly competitive field of video game adaptations on streaming platforms. The Ancient Rome setting and historical scope could position it alongside successful adaptations like HBO's The Last of Us and Amazon's Fallout.
The series offers huge creative potential with its original story approach. Rather than being constrained by existing game narratives, it can explore new characters within the rich historical world whilst bringing the Assassin's Creed universe to a broader audience unfamiliar with the games.
For UAE viewers, the series will be available on Netflix when it launches, though the historical themes and epic scope may particularly resonate with regional audiences who appreciate historical dramas.
When and where to watch in UAE
The Assassin's Creed series will stream exclusively on Netflix when it launches, available to UAE subscribers on the same day as the global release. Filming has begun in Italy, though Netflix hasn't announced an official release date yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the setting of the Netflix Assassin's Creed series?
The Netflix live-action Assassin's Creed series will be set in Ancient Rome, starting in the year 64 AD during Emperor Nero's reign.
Who is in the cast of the Netflix Assassin's Creed series?
The ensemble cast is led by Toby Wallace, Lola Petticrew, and Laura Marcus, with supporting roles from Noomi Rapace, Claes Bang, Sean Harris, and eight other confirmed actors.
What historical events will the Netflix Assassin's Creed series cover?
The series will cover the turbulent period starting in 64 AD, including the Great Fire of Rome, Emperor Nero's persecution of Christians, and the assassination plot against Nero in 65 AD.
When will the Netflix Assassin's Creed series be released?
Netflix hasn't announced an official release date yet, though filming has begun in Italy. The series will be available to UAE viewers on Netflix when it launches.
Is this based on a specific Assassin's Creed game?
No, the Netflix series is believed to tell an original story rather than adapting a specific game, though it's set within the established Assassin's Creed universe.
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