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Announcing the Assassin’s Creed Live-Action Series
Partnership and Initial Announcement
In October 2020, Morningpicker reported that Netflix and Ubisoft announced a partnership via social media, the About Netflix blog, and an official press release. This collaboration aimed to develop at least two Assassin’s Creed projects, including a live-action series, animated adaptations, and anime series. Jason Altman and Danielle Kreinik, from Ubisoft Film & Television, were set to serve as executive producers for the live-action series.
Context: The Peak TV Era and Ubisoft’s Ambitions
During the late 2010s “Peak TV” era, Ubisoft joined the fray by announcing several projects based on its video game IP. Some, like Captain Laserhawk and Splinter Cell, moved forward, while others, such as The Division and Beyond Good and Evil, were shelved or vanished. The pandemic, strikes, executive turnover, and shifting priorities at studios contributed to projects like Assassin’s Creed losing momentum.
Development Timeline and Updates
Jeb Stuart’s Onboard and Departure
In 2021, Morningpicker revealed that Jeb Stuart, who was already working with Netflix on Vikings: Valhalla, would serve as the primary writer and showrunner for the Assassin’s Creed live-action series. However, by early 2023, Stuart had left the project. Casting was still ongoing at the time of his departure.
Post-Stuart Update and Leadership Changes
Following Stuart’s departure, updates on the series have been scarce. Ubisoft’s TV division underwent leadership changes, and the company faced financial struggles. Both Jason Altman and Danielle Kreinik, the original executive producers, have left Ubisoft. Aymar Azaizia, Ubisoft’s Transmedia and Business Development Director, remains the only Ubisoft executive still mentioning the project.
Recent Reports and Rumors
In February 2025, scooper Daniel Richtman reported that the Netflix series is “on hold.” A live-action Assassin’s Creed movie is in development, but Netflix does not appear to be involved. This situation resembles the troubled development of Sony’s Horizon: Zero Dawn adaptation.
Implications and Practical Aspects
The Fate of the Assassin’s Creed Animated Project
The status of the Assassin’s Creed animated project remains unclear, similar to the quiet abandonment of other Netflix video game adaptations. The cancellation of the live-action series may impact Ubisoft’s reputation and the Assassin’s Creed franchise, potentially prompting the company to explore other forms of media, such as movies or animated series.
Lessons Learned from the Cancellation
The development of the Assassin’s Creed series presented challenges for both Netflix and Ubisoft. Clear communication, realistic expectations, and addressing issues promptly are crucial for successful collaborations and adaptations in the future.
Conclusion
The Assassin’s Creed Series: A Canceled Dream
In our exploration of Netflix’s abandoned live-action series based on the beloved video game franchise, Assassin’s Creed, we uncovered a complex web of creative decisions, shifting priorities, and ultimately, a cancelled project. The article delved into the initial announcement, the cast and crew assembly, and the significant investment made by Netflix to bring this high-profile series to life. We also highlighted the challenges faced by the showrunners, including the pressures of adapting a complex video game narrative into a cohesive and engaging story for the small screen.
The significance of this cancelled series lies not only in its massive budget and star-studded cast but also in its potential to revolutionize the way video game adaptations are approached in the world of television. The Assassin’s Creed series promised to be a groundbreaking experiment in blending the worlds of gaming and live-action storytelling, with far-reaching implications for the future of television and the gaming industry. Unfortunately, the project’s cancellation serves as a reminder of the risks and uncertainties involved in high-stakes creative endeavors.