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‘Assassin’s Creed’ Netflix Series Reveals Ancient Rome Setting and Additional Cast as Shooting Starts in Italy

What happened

Netflix has confirmed its live-action Assassin's Creed series will be set in Ancient Rome beginning in 64 AD. The series, directed by Johan Renck of 'Chernobyl' fame, has begun filming at Rome's Cinecittà Studios. The streaming adaptation will tell an original story within the popular video game franchise's historical setting.

Why people care

Assassin's Creed is one of gaming's biggest franchises, known for its detailed historical settings spanning different time periods. Netflix's adaptation represents a major attempt to translate the beloved video game series to television, with fans eager to see how the show handles the franchise's signature blend of history and stealth action.

The takes

Fans say

The Ancient Rome setting offers rich storytelling possibilities, especially with 64 AD marking the year of the Great Fire of Rome under Emperor Nero. Many are excited about Johan Renck's involvement, given his acclaimed work on HBO's 'Chernobyl' which demonstrated his ability to handle complex historical narratives.

Skeptics say

Video game adaptations have a notoriously poor track record in film and television, often failing to capture what makes the source material compelling. Some worry that Netflix's original story approach might stray too far from the games' established lore and characters that fans know and love.

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