- Netflix has confirmed that Assassin's Creed has started filming in Rome
- However, some fans have expressed concerns over the show's location and original story
- This news comes after the main cast was confirmed for the series
Filming has commenced on Netflix's Assassin's Creed series, following on from a recent cast announcement that had me feeling optimistic about things.
In a social media post, further casting was posted alongside an announcement that production had begun in Rome, with production primarily filming at the storied Cinecittà Studios.
We have known for a while that the series will follow an original story, instead of adapting the events of the first game, but not everyone is happy with the decision to set it in Ancient Rome, 64 AD.
Assassin’s Creed has officially begun production in Rome. Set in ancient Rome in 64 AD, the live-action series adaptation of Ubisoft’s best-selling video game franchise stars Toby Wallace, Lola Petticrew, Laura Marcus, Tanzyn Crawford, Zachary Hart, Claes Bang, Nabhaan Rizwan… pic.twitter.com/DcysBGSQPLMarch 20, 2026
Throughout the Assassin's Creed franchise, we've been transported to a number of historically rich locations. These have included Jerusalem/Acre in 1191, Florence and Rome in the 1400s-1500s, and the Caribbean in the 1700s. So the Ancient Rome setting is different from what some fans might have expected.
Indeed, one fan on X described the setting as "really disappointing", claiming that it strays too far from what made the games iconic. As a result, there are fears this could be a flop for Netflix, a valid concern whenever games are adapted for the screen.
Ugh… really disappointing. 😞 Another live-action adaptation that could easily flop. Setting it in Rome 64 AD with an “original story” feels like Netflix is straying too far from what made Assassin’s Creed iconic—the intricate historical storytelling and the connection to the…March 20, 2026
Another comment suggested that Netflix will have to work hard to make sure the writing quality is good, instead of simply focusing on grand architecture. Style over substance does seem to be a concern in some circles, though getting the visuals right is important. A big reason I'm so drawn to the games is the transportive nature of them, and how easily it is to get lost in the locations.
Although not as critical as the above, this fan seems to have worries about relying too heavily on the location, so that the plot gets lost.
Ancient Rome offers endless visual grandeur, but writing will matter more than architecture.March 20, 2026
A cautious fan described the original story as a "bold move", so expectations are definitely high. Currently, Netflix is being tight-lipped on the exact plot, with an initial Tudum teaser describing it as "following its characters across pivotal historical events as they battle to shape humanity’s destiny".
Original story is a bold move… curious how it connects to the lore.March 20, 2026
Reception to the original story and location has been mixed so far. But with Westworld's Roberto Patino and Halo's David Wiener at the helm of the project, it might surprise fans in a good way.
It's far too early to tell, of course, and since filming has just commenced, we'll have to wait a little while to see how it plays out.
