Assassin's Creed's Ancient Rome: Why Netflix's 64 AD Series is a Franchise First

Netflix's upcoming live-action Assassin's Creed series is making a radical leap, abandoning the franchise's iconic Renaissance Rome for a setting 1,500 years older: Ancient Rome in 64 AD. For over a decade, the red-tiled rooftops and the crumbling Colosseum of Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010) have defined the city within the franchise. This new project, now filming at Italy’s famed Cinecittà Studios for a 2027 premiere, represents a major evolution. It promises to explore a period only hinted at in lore, igniting a potent question: What can we expect from the nascent days of the Brotherhood in the volatile, conspiracy-rich heart of Nero’s empire, on the eve of its greatest disaster?

The Setting: 64 AD Rome - A City Primed for Conspiracy

The year 64 AD is not a random historical pull; it is a moment of profound crisis and transformation, making it a narrative powder keg for the Assassin’s Creed universe. The defining event is the Great Fire of Rome, a six-day catastrophe that devastated vast swathes of the ancient city. The chaos, societal breakdown, and political opportunism that followed provide a perfect backdrop for the covert warfare that defines the franchise.

At the center of this maelstrom stands Emperor Nero, a figure whose notorious reputation aligns seamlessly with Templar-like ambitions for absolute control. Historically, Nero infamously scapegoated Christians for the fire, unleashing brutal persecutions. Furthermore, he was the target of real-life assassination plots, most notably the Pisonian conspiracy of 65 AD. This makes him a perfect narrative foil—a potential Templar-aligned antagonist or a tyrannical force that galvanizes the formation of a proto-Assassin cell fighting for free will.

This setting is a stark departure from the Renaissance Rome of Brotherhood. Gone are the familiar landmarks in their later forms. Instead, the series will showcase a living, imperial capital at its peak—a city of gleaming marble, bustling forums, and sprawling imperial palaces. This fresh architectural and urban landscape promises new possibilities for parkour and stealth, set against a political culture of senatorial intrigue and imperial cult that is fundamentally different from the Borgia papacy Ezio faced.

An Original Story: Building a New Chapter in the Creed's History

Perhaps the most significant revelation is that the Netflix series will feature a completely original narrative, not a direct adaptation of any existing game. This is a double-edged gladius: it carries risk but offers immense creative freedom to expand the lore in a new medium.

This blank slate allows the writers to explore foundational questions about the Creed’s history. Could this series depict the early formation of a Brotherhood cell in response to Nero’s tyranny? Might it chronicle a proto-Assassin conflict with a forerunner to the Templar Order, such as the Order of the Ancients, which lore establishes was active in this era? The presence of Isu (First Civilization) artifacts in the ancient world is also a rich vein to tap, potentially showing how these powerful relics shaped the power struggles of the time.

The challenge will be balancing deep-cut lore for dedicated fans with accessibility for a global Netflix audience unfamiliar with the decades-spanning mythology. An original story must feel authentically woven into the franchise’s tapestry while standing firmly on its own dramatic merits.

The Creative Powerhouse: From Westworld and Halo to Ancient Rome

The series has assembled a formidable creative team, suggesting Netflix is investing in prestige-scale storytelling. The project is being shepherded by showrunners and executive producers David Wiener (showrunner of Halo) and Roberto Patino (writer/producer on Westworld).

Their previous work offers intriguing clues about the series’ potential tone and complexity. Roberto Patino’s experience on Westworld points to a capacity for dense, philosophical narratives that explore themes of free will, control, and the nature of reality—themes that are the very bedrock of the Assassin-Templar war. David Wiener’s work on Halo demonstrates experience in navigating the challenges of adapting a beloved, lore-heavy video game franchise for a serialized format, balancing action with character drama.

The commitment to scale is further evidenced by the production schedule. Filming began on March 9 and is set to continue until October 16, 2024, primarily at Rome’s historic Cinecittà Studios. This extended shoot at a facility famed for epic historical productions promises authentic set pieces and location work that can truly capture the grandeur and grit of first-century Rome.

The Ensemble: Decoding the Star-Studded Cast

Netflix has revealed a compelling, international ensemble cast, though specific character details remain a closely guarded secret. The confirmed actors include Toby Wallace (Babyteeth), Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Claes Bang (The Square), and the intensely charismatic Sean Harris.

The secrecy invites speculation. Could Claes Bang, with his commanding presence, play a powerful patrician, a key senator, or perhaps a figure within Nero’s inner circle? Might Noomi Rapace be cast as a master Assassin guiding a new cell, or a pivotal historical figure navigating the crisis? The casting of Sean Harris, an actor renowned for his haunting, psychologically complex performances, strongly hints that the series will pursue a serious, dramatic tone, favoring moral ambiguity over simple heroics.

This focus on actors known for deep character work, rather than purely action-oriented stars, suggests Netflix’s priority is building a narrative of intrigue and personal stakes within the grand historical tableau.

Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed is strategically positioned to fill the most ancient gap in the franchise’s historical tapestry. It combines a volatile, iconic setting (64 AD Rome), the narrative freedom of an original story, and a high-caliber creative team with proven genre credentials. More than just another adaptation, the 2027 series represents a landmark exploration of the franchise’s deepest origins. By inscribing this new foundational chapter, the series doesn't just expand the lore—it challenges viewers to reconsider the very origins of the eternal conflict, making its 2027 debut a potential watershed moment for the franchise on screen.

Tags: Assassin's Creed, Netflix, Ancient Rome, Video Game Adaptation, Historical Drama