Assassin's creed goes dark: rome in 64 ad set for netflix series

Netflix is plunging viewers into one of Rome's most tumultuous periods. The live-action Assassin's Creed series will now be set in 64 AD, a year of fire, persecution, and political intrigue.

Rome on fire: series details emerge

Ubisoft confirmed the historical setting on social media, revealing a sprawling cast led by Toby Wallace (Babyteeth), Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing), and Laura Marcus (The Jetty). The series will delve into the chaos following the Great Fire of Rome, which devastated two-thirds of the city and fueled Emperor Nero's brutal crackdown on Christians.

The timeline is rich with potential storylines. The year 64 AD also saw the failed assassination plot against Nero the following year – a plot that the series is expected to explore. Nero's reign was marked by escalating power struggles within the empire, but he also famously indulged in athletic competitions in Ancient Greece, winning a staggering 1,808 prizes.

While the Assassin's Creed franchise has touched on Roman History before, most notably in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, that installment was set over a millennium later. This new series promises an original narrative, moving beyond the established lore.

Filming has commenced in Italy, with production expected to continue throughout the year. The ensemble cast also includes Claes Bang, Noomi Rapace, and Sean Harris, among others. The series offers a compelling glimpse into a pivotal moment in Roman History, promising a blend of action, conspiracy, and historical drama.

The sheer scale of the historical backdrop – the fire, the political maneuvering, the looming civil war – offers a fertile ground for the series’ narrative. This isn’t merely a backdrop; it’s a catalyst for conflict.

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor.