What Is Next For Assassin's Creed In Film & TV?

With the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Netflix series getting closer, now could be the perfect time for Ubisoft Television to think of a potential spin-off series, that follows a different story and a different time period. It is known that the series is to be set during the height of the Roman Empire, and although not much is known about the series yet, there are many ways Ubisoft Television could go after the first season premieres, and there’s no doubt if it proves to be a hit amongst audiences, they will certainly be intending to bank in on a new version of the rich history of Assassin’s Creed. This series is a sequence of firsts, and there is a lot to be learned from it along the way. If the show is a hit, it may open the door for a second season, or even a separate live action series that could focus on a different storyline.

If a second season and or spin-off turns out to be the case, one historical time period that should be considered for a future season, would be tackling the Spanish Inquisition once again. The time period was of course the focal point of the Assassin’s Creed movie from 2016, and it is too huge and rich a time period, to only be portrayed in a single film, and it could be wise for Ubisoft to give this era another shot through live action. There is even a possibility this setting could be used in the future game as well. The time period is so full of content, that Ubisoft could have one of two options; they could create a new story with new characters set in the era, or have a reunion with previous protagonist Aguilar de Nerga, portrayed by Michael Fassbender in the film. Ubisoft could choose to bring the famous actor back for a role reprisal, and try touching on his character in ways they were not able to do in the 2016 movie, due to it being a singular instalment and its limited runtime. If Ubisoft wants to give fans the same time period, but use a familiar face, it could pay off.

Ubisoft could very well leave the past in the past, but as it was reported in the time before the movie premiered, the initial plan was for Assassin’s Creed to become a trilogy of movies. What stopped that from being a reality, was due to the negative reception and underperforming box office sales of the movie, and the pending acquisition of Disney buying 20th Century Fox who published the film. The merger caused a lot of projects to be canceled, as mentioned including the planned sequels to Assassin’s Creed. Ubisoft may try the time period again, as a way to start fresh and not repeat their mistakes, but there is no doubt if they wish to make a fast impression with fans, bringing back a familiar character and a possible role reprisal from a star actor such as Fassbender, it could be a gold mine for Ubisoft if done properly. Fassbender recently having ventured into television for the first time in years, working with Paramount and Showtime, there is a strong chance that if they ask him to return, he might very well be interested.

Turning video games into shows over movies, has in recent years become the key to successful video game adaptations, with critically acclaimed shows like The Last Of Us for HBO and Fallout for Amazon. Turning them into shows allows for better pacing, a well stretched story, and the opportunity and time to include as much of the long game story as possible. There is a strong chance that Ubisoft finds their stride in the upcoming Assassin’s Creed series, and it turns out to be far more successful than the movie was. Netflix seem confident in Ubisoft’s ability to adapt the long running franchise, and if turning out successful, that could open up endless possibilities for what Ubisoft Television can do next.

If they chose to leave the Callum Lynch storyline, and not offer Fassbender a chance to reprise his role, there are still loads of things they could do with the Spanish Inquisition. For one, the era was so big that a two hour movie could only cover a small part of it all. This may have been achieved if the original plan for a trilogy panned out, but since the movie was short lived, it at least leaves room open to have a second crack at it. It would feel very satisfying to all Assassin’s Creed fans, if Ubisoft visited this era again, and whether they would choose to bring back the movie’s plot or not, it is a rare time period with much potential. For one, the movie touched upon real historical characters like Christopher Columbus, which could be one potential rich storyline to explore further.

There could also be a chance Ubisoft Television chooses to attempt Assassin’s Creed on the big screen again, this time trying a new story. Fans can certainly hope if the series is successful, that sometime in the future, they find the right story to make for a return to the big screen. While any planned sequels to the 2016 film were canceled by Disney, Ubisoft now having partnered with Netflix, could open up new doors, giving them a chance to revisit old ideas for storylines and characters. It could be massive for Assassin’s Creed fans if Ubisoft attempts a movie again, and especially if the Netflix series becomes a hit, they would have serious momentum to build upon.

It remains to be seen what direction Ubisoft Television will take in the months leading up to the release of the first season of the new series. They have so many options in both television and film, and they can certainly evaluate what fans think of the long awaited adaptation, and if there is demand, it could turn the Assassin’s Creed series into a cinematic universe, creating a whole different aspect of the franchise outside the games. As the series is famous for its storytelling, history is indeed their playground, and the possibilities in expanding Assassin’s Creed beyond video games is full of potential.

In general, Ubisoft Television currently have a number of other projects in the works in addition to the Assassin's Creed series, including the also highly anticipated live action Far Cry series created by Rob Mac and Noah Hawley, and a The Division movie, set to star Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Chastain. At long last, Ubisoft's television division is finally starting to live up to what it has always meant to be, and the Assassin's Creed series has the potential to make things take even further off, maybe even setting the standard for video game TV adaptations going forward.

While much still is not known about the upcoming series, the last 9 months now have been nothing short of big news regarding it, announcing a majority of its cast ranging from Toby Wallace, Lola Petticrew, Laura Marcus, Noomi Rapace, Claes Bang and more. Several of the actors have also been spotted in Rome, Italy, likely filming on location for the series’ reported setting. More news, including a trailer and official release date, are bound to come sooner than later, and we will be covering it first thing so stay tuned!