Johan Renck to Lead Netflix’s Ambitious Assassin’s Creed Project
Netflix’s much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Assassin’s Creed has officially secured its director — and it’s none other than award-winning filmmaker Johan Renck. Renck, the Swedish director celebrated for his Emmy-winning work on HBO’s Chernobyl, will bring his vision to the popular video game franchise’s first major small-screen project.
The series, produced in collaboration with Ubisoft Film & Television, has been gradually unveiling its cast. Toby Wallace (Euphoria) and Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing) will headline, while Zachary Hart (Slow Horses) and Laura Marcus (Death by Lightning) join as series regulars.
From Console to Streaming Screen
The live-action series is based on Ubisoft’s globally successful Assassin’s Creed franchise, which debuted in 2007 and has since sold over 230 million copies worldwide. Known for its blend of historical fiction, stealth action, and sci-fi elements, the games follow the centuries-old battle between the Assassins, who fight for free will, and the Templars, who seek to control humanity’s fate.
Netflix first announced the project in July as part of its 2020 development deal with Ubisoft. While the streaming platform is keeping plot details under wraps, the official premise teases a sweeping narrative spanning major historical events — all tied into the shadowy conflict between the two factions.
The Creative Team Behind the Series
Renck will work alongside creators, showrunners, and executive producers Roberto Patino and David Wiener. Ubisoft executives Gerard Guillemot, Margaret Boykin, Austin Dill, and Genevieve Jones are also on board as executive producers, along with Matt O’Toole.
This isn’t Renck’s first project with Netflix — he previously directed the opening episodes of the 2015 drama Bloodline and last year’s sci-fi film Spaceman, starring Adam Sandler. His extensive television credits include The Last Panther, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Vikings, Bates Motel, and Halt and Catch Fire.
A Director with a Surprising Career Turn
Interestingly, Renck once considered stepping away from filmmaking entirely after the critical and commercial triumph of Chernobyl. Speaking to Variety during the Berlinale premiere of Spaceman, he revealed that he had even contemplated opening a restaurant in Brooklyn instead of pursuing further directing work. Fortunately for fans, he’s now bringing his distinctive storytelling approach to one of gaming’s most beloved universes.
With its high-profile creative team, strong cast, and a rich source material spanning centuries of history, Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed series is shaping up to be one of the streaming giant’s most ambitious projects yet.
