Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed series is finally moving forward after what felt like an eternity of silence. The streaming giant has announced Australian actor Toby Wallace as the first series regular, and recent leaks suggest the show will take viewers to Ancient Rome during Emperor Nero’s reign. Production is expected to kick off in 2026 in Italy, which fits perfectly with the rumored historical setting.
What We Know About the Series So Far
The project has been in development since Netflix and Ubisoft partnered back in 2020. Roberto Patino (DMZ) and David Wiener (Halo) will serve as showrunners and executive producers. Wallace’s exact role remains under wraps, but he’s confirmed as a co-lead, which means he’ll be central to the story. According to reports from Nexus Point News, the series will explore Ancient Rome during Nero’s reign from 54 to 68 AD, featuring historical figures like the emperor himself and philosopher Seneca the Younger.
This setting is particularly interesting because it’s largely untouched territory in the Assassin’s Creed universe. While the games have taken players through Renaissance Italy, Revolutionary France, Ancient Egypt, and Viking-era England, Ancient Rome has only appeared in brief sequences. Fans have been asking for a full Roman experience for years, and Netflix seems ready to deliver.
Why This Casting Matters
Toby Wallace might not be a household name yet, but he’s built serious credibility. He appeared in HBO’s Euphoria and has earned praise for his intense, layered performances. For a franchise as beloved as Assassin’s Creed, which has sold over 230 million copies worldwide, getting the casting right is critical. Wallace’s ability to handle complex characters makes him a solid choice for a series that will need to balance action, historical drama, and the franchise’s signature philosophical conflicts between Assassins and Templars.
Learning From Past Mistakes
Netflix is making it clear this series won’t repeat the mistakes of the 2016 film starring Michael Fassbender. That movie tried to cram too much lore into a confusing narrative that left both fans and general audiences frustrated. The critical response was harsh, and it failed to launch the cinematic universe Ubisoft hoped for. This time, the approach is different. By focusing on one specific time period and taking time to develop characters and storylines across multiple episodes, the series format offers much more room to breathe.
The showrunners have experience with complex genre storytelling. Patino worked on DMZ, which tackled heavy political themes in a dystopian setting, while Wiener helped bring the Halo universe to television. Both understand the challenge of adapting beloved properties while making them accessible to new viewers.
Production Timeline and What to Expect
With filming set to begin in 2026 in Italy, fans shouldn’t expect the series to hit Netflix until late 2026 at the earliest, though 2027 seems more realistic. The Italian location is perfect for recreating Ancient Rome, as the country still has remarkably preserved ruins and architecture from that era. Production designers will have plenty of authentic references to work with.
The series is just the first part of Netflix’s deal with Ubisoft, which includes plans for multiple shows, including animated and anime adaptations. If this first live-action series succeeds, it could open the door for exploring other time periods and characters from the massive Assassin’s Creed universe. The franchise spans from ancient civilizations to the modern day, offering endless storytelling possibilities.
Fan Reactions Are Mixed But Hopeful
Social media responses have been cautiously optimistic. Many fans expressed relief that the project is finally moving forward after years of uncertainty. Some are excited about the Ancient Rome setting, calling it one of the most requested locations in franchise history. Others remain skeptical after the disappointing film and worry about Netflix’s track record with video game adaptations, though recent successes like The Witcher and Arcane have shown it can be done right.
One common concern is whether the show will capture the parkour-heavy, urban environment that made the early games so memorable. Ancient Rome offers plenty of architecture for impressive chase sequences and stealth gameplay translated to screen, but it’ll come down to execution. The enhanced production values and episodic format should give the creative team enough resources and time to nail those iconic Assassin’s Creed moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed series be released?
There’s no official release date yet. Production is expected to start in 2026, which means the series will likely premiere in late 2026 or more realistically in 2027.
Who is playing the lead role in the Assassin’s Creed series?
Australian actor Toby Wallace has been cast as the first series regular and will serve as a co-lead. His specific character hasn’t been revealed yet.
What time period will the Netflix series cover?
According to leaks, the series will be set in Ancient Rome during Emperor Nero’s reign, specifically between 54 and 68 AD, featuring historical figures from that era.
Is this connected to the 2016 Assassin’s Creed movie?
No, the Netflix series is completely separate from the 2016 film starring Michael Fassbender. It’s a fresh start with new characters and storylines.
Will there be more Assassin’s Creed shows on Netflix?
Yes, Netflix’s deal with Ubisoft includes multiple series. Beyond this live-action show, there are plans for animated and anime adaptations set in the Assassin’s Creed universe.
Where will the series be filmed?
Production is set to take place in Italy starting in 2026, which makes perfect sense given the Ancient Rome setting and the country’s wealth of historical locations.
Who are the showrunners for the series?
Roberto Patino, known for his work on DMZ, and David Wiener, who worked on Halo, will serve as showrunners and executive producers for the series.
Conclusion
After five years of development, Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed series is finally taking shape. With Toby Wallace leading the cast, experienced showrunners at the helm, and the fascinating backdrop of Ancient Rome during Nero’s reign, the pieces are falling into place for what could be a compelling adaptation. The franchise has everything needed for great television – action, intrigue, historical depth, and philosophical conflict. Whether Netflix can successfully translate that to the screen remains to be seen, but the early signs are promising. Fans have waited long enough, and if the series delivers on its potential, it could finally give the Assassin’s Creed franchise the screen adaptation it deserves.