Netflix Revives Assassin's Creed With New TV Series After Film Flop
Published Apr 9, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT
Ben Sherlock, a respected film critic known for his work with Screen Rant and other publications, brings his expertise to the small screen. His journey began with Game Rant before transitioning to Screen Rant, where he honed his craft alongside contributions from Comic Book Resources, BabbleTop, and his own creative ventures as an indie filmmaker and comedian.
When beloved stories fall short on screen, innovation often follows. The Judge Dredd film struggled in the 1990s, but Karl Urban's gritty take in Dredd captured the essence of the comics. Meanwhile, Netflix's approach to IP adaptations remains unpredictable—some hit hard, others miss the mark.
While The Witcher faced criticism for straying from source material, Wednesday won hearts with its charming blend of horror and humor. Castlevania carved its own path, building a rich universe beyond its origins. Netflix's success with Marvel and The Lincoln Lawyer proves its knack for adapting popular properties, and Stranger Things continues to captivate audiences.
Early attempts at live-action game adaptations were rocky, but Netflix aims to learn from the past with its upcoming Assassin's Creed series. The 2016 film, despite strong performances, failed to resonate critically or commercially—a pattern Netflix hopes to break.
The 2016 Assassin's Creed Movie Was A Critical & Commercial Disappointment
Fassbender and director Justin Kurzel delivered a standout performance in Macbeth (2015), yet their next project—a video game adaptation—went awry. Assassin's Creed, set in the same universe as the popular games, promised a cinematic experience but faltered. Despite breaking even at the box office, it received scathing reviews for its visual effects, convoluted plot, and underused lead actor.
Netflix Is Turning Assassin's Creed Into A TV Series
Promotional artwork for Assassin's Creed 3
With gaming adaptations increasingly successful—think Arcane, Fallout, and The Last of Us—Netflix sees an opportunity to reset the narrative. The upcoming series, set to begin production in Italy in 2026, boasts a talented team: Roberto Patino and David Wiener return as creators, Johan Renck will direct, and actors like Toby Wallace and Tanzyn Crawford join the cast.
Unlike the rushed film, the series can expand on lore and character development. For a franchise that struggled on the big screen, this television adaptation may finally deliver what fans craved.
Follow, subscribe, and share to stay updated on this evolving story. Netflix's commitment to refining its reboot strategy signals hope for a revitalized legacy.
