Variety is reporting today that Ubisoft and Netflix have inked a deal to produce a live-action Assassin’s Creed series, along with an “animated, and anime series.”
Jason Altman, head of the Los Angeles division of Ubisoft Film & Television, had this to say, “For more than 10 years, millions of fans around the world have helped shape the Assassin’s Creed brand into an iconic franchise. We’re thrilled to create an Assassin’s Creed series with Netflix and we look forward to developing the next saga in the Assassin’s Creed universe.”
Peter Friedlander, vice president of original series at Netflix echoed Altman’s sentiments:
“We’re excited to partner with Ubisoft and bring to life the rich, multilayered storytelling that Assassin’s Creed is beloved for. From its breathtaking historical worlds and massive global appeal as one of the best selling video game franchises of all time, we are committed to carefully crafting epic and thrilling entertainment based on this distinct IP and provide a deeper dive for fans and our members around the world to enjoy.”
The proposed live action series has not currently found a showrunner. The most recent Assassin’s Creed adaptation, a live-action film starring Michael Fassbender, has grossed some $240 million USD worldwide against a reported budget of $125 million.
The deal has deepened the relationship between Ubisoft and Netflix. Currently, a Splinter Cell anime is pre-production with John Wick writer Derek Kolstad serving as head writer and executive producer. Netflix has aired four seasons of the animated series Rabbids Invasion and is reportedly working on the long reported film adaptation of The Division with Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Chastain.
Food For Thought
Three different shows (assuming something along the lines of Castlevania for the “anime” and a completely different style for the other animated series) certainly sounds like a lot. However, there’s a potential risk of “viewer fatigue,” particularly if it seems like the series is trying to recycle plots and characters from the games. Compounding this is Netflix’s habit of killing shows after a couple of seasons, which certainly could be a problem given the long lead times involved with animation.
