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Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Netflix is turning the popular Assassin's Creed gaming franchise into a live-action series
A live-action TV series based on Ubisoft's best-selling gaming franchise Assassin's Creed is in the works at Netflix, the streaming giant confirmed in an official announcement. The Netflix project isn't the TV adaptation of the commercially acclaimed video game franchise. The game was previously adapted into a 2016 movie starring Michael Fassbender, which achieved modest success. However, with Netflix attached to the project, the scale, production quality, and marketing muscle are expected to be higher – and so are the expectations. The Assassin's Creed live-action series has been in development at Netflix for years, with the streamer originally planning to produce the series in 2020. The project has gone through several creative changes before finally being greenlit. Roberto Patino, a writer on FX's Sons of Anarchy and HBO's Westworld , has been tapped as showrunner, joining David Wiener, who previously led Paramount+'s Halo TV series as well as Fear the Walking Dead. Netflix has not revealed any casting or plot details, but the series will follow a shadow war between the rival Templar and Assassin factions, fought across centuries and cultures. The series will focus on characters diving into genetic memory to experience the lives of ancestors who played pivotal roles in the conflict. The first Assassin's Creed game was released in 2007 and was set in Israel during the Crusades. Since then, Ubisoft has turned the experimental title into one of the most highly acclaimed video game franchises. The series includes a massive number of entries, with 14 mainline games released over 18 years, along with several spin-offs, all of which are canonical and fit into a single timeline. Perhaps what makes the Assassin's Creed franchise truly work is how the events in each game interweave to form one cohesive narrative. Earlier this year, Ubisoft released Assassin's Creed Shadows, an open-world game set in feudal Japan. The action game was praised by both critics and players alike, a positive sign for Ubisoft, which has struggled to produce consistent hits in recent years. The French company has recently expanded key franchises like Assassin's Creed, Rainbow Six, and Far Cry, bolstered by a $1.25 billion investment from Chinese publisher Tencent. Ubisoft has sold 230 million copies of Assassin's Creed franchise to date. The Assassin's Creed live-action series comes at a time when popular video games are increasingly being adapted into films or television shows. Last week, Nintendo announced the lead cast for its upcoming Zelda live-action movie, based on its classic video game series. The movie is slated to hit screens in 2027. The veteran Japanese gaming powerhouse is steadily expanding its presence in Hollywood, with a growing lineup of films slated for release in the coming years. Nintendo first found success with its movie strategy through The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, which grossed $1.3 billion at the global box office. The company is now gearing up for a sequel to the hit animated film, scheduled for release in 2026. Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle tech actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands including Apple, Google and others. At the same time, he also extensively covers indie, home-grown tech startups. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin. Email: ... Read More
UPI
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Ben Barnes: Fallen hero Tim wants new start in 'The Institute'
1 of 3 | New episodes of Ben Barnes' "The Institute" air Sundays. Photo courtesy of MGM+ NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- Prince Caspian, Westworld and The Punisher alum Ben Barnes says Tim, the character he plays in the new supernatural drama, The Institute, is a troubled man seeking redemption. "We meet him at quite a heavy moment in his life. He's looking to kind of press re-start on his life. He used to be a police officer and he's made some decisions which weigh really heavily on him and he feels very shameful about," Barnes, 43, told UPI in a recent Zoom interview. "He's lost a lot, including a marriage, because of it and I think he's trying to find some peace in his life, and finds himself near this Institute, and something starts to not add up for him about this new community that he finds himself In and, so, he starts snooping and uncovering things and realizing, eventually, the full horror of what's happening." Based on the book by Stephen King, new episodes of the MGM+ show air Sundays and follow Luke (Freeman), a teen genius, who is kidnapped and awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did, possess unusual abilities and are told they are needed to save the world. Goodbye front half for you! Don't miss the latest episode of #TheInstitute now streaming on #MGMplus MGM+ (@mgmplus) July 20, 2025 "Luke is sort of at a crossroads," said newcomer Freeman, the 19-year-old son of British acting royalty Martin Freeman and Amanda Abbington. "He has MIT calling and a future ahead of him, but, also, he has everybody back in Minneapolis and he doesn't want to let anybody down," Freeman said of Luke. "So, I think he's sort of living his best life as a 14-year-old. He's got a brilliant opportunity ahead of him and, I'm sure, in his head, he's thinking it will work itself out." While they find themselves navigating unusual circumstances, Tim and Luke seem authentic, three-dimensional and easy for viewers to relate to. "It is probably easier for Tim at the beginning because he's grounded in very real things. It's sort of a quiet beginning for Tim," Barnes said. "For Joe, to play a character who is sort of snatched up into such a horrific environment, to be so unsettled so fast into the show [is more challenging]," Barnes added. "But I think you're always going to be rooting for the person who's being treated in an unjust way and rooting for the person who's trying to help that person and support that person, so I think we were helped by the structure of the story in that way." Barnes went on to say the fact both characters have firm grips on their moral compasses also make them likable. "They know which way True North is and they know what's right to stand up for and those are the things that they kind of really have in common," Barnes added. "They can't help but stand up for the things they think are right and I think once you start to sense that in someone, when you're watching a show, you can't help but be on their side." King is famous for telling stories that are not just entertaining or disturbing, but that also explore important existential issues. The Institute, for example, takes a deep dive into concepts such as free will, authoritarianism and sacrifices required for a greater good. "There are lots of scenes where there are questions being asked that are not being answered and I think Stephen King is such a master of allegory -- like using telepathy to signify communication or telekinesis to signify those sort of hidden powers that we all have, even the most vulnerable of us, to kind of be hopeful and to fight against unchecked systems," Barnes said. Barnes, who has been professionally acting for more than 20 years, was ready to help Freeman if he needed anything, much the way Tim wanted to be there for Luke. "He's just born to do this," Barnes praised his co-star. "But [I wanted us] to be able to work through things together and discuss dynamics of the story or if he ever felt uncomfortable about situations, or committing to moments or whatever it might be," Barnes added. "We became a good source of support for each other, through the course of filming, being the two Brits out there [in Nova Scotia], away from home for those months filming the show together." The show co-stars Mary-Louise Parker, Robert Joy, Julian Richings and Martin Roach.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
See Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock reunite for 'Practical Magic 2'
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock are conjuring up some 1998 magic. The actresses reunited on the set of the highly anticipated "Practical Magic" sequel, as seen in a video that Kidman shared to Instagram on Friday, July 18. The clip showed the pair sharing a hug and smiling from ear to ear at a cemetery. The sweet moment appears to have been captured in between takes. "The witches are back ✨ Owens sisters' first day on set!" Kidman captioned the video. Kidman's "Big Little Lies" costar Reese Witherspoon was among those thrilled by the sneak peek. The "Legally Blonde" star commented on the post, "Makes me SO HAPPY!" Kerry Washington also wrote in a comment, "DAY MADE." Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox Bullock and Kidman starred as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens in 1998's "Practical Magic," which also starred Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest. Wiest and Channing are both back as Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny, respectively, in "Practical Magic 2," which is also set to star Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod. 'Practical Magic 2': Evan Rachel Wood says she's being recast But one star from the original film won't be returning: Evan Rachel Wood, who played the daughter of Bullock's character, recently revealed on Instagram that her role was recast for the sequel, even though she hoped to reprise the character. "I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line. I was told they are recasting," she wrote in an Instagram story, according to People and The Hollywood Reporter. 'Practical Magic 2' announced: 'Coming soon,' Warner Bros teases The "Westworld" star added, "I am sorry to disappoint the fans. It was not in my control or my choice. I would have happily rejoined my sisters." Susanne Bier ("Bird Box") is directing "Practical Magic 2," which was officially confirmed by Warner Bros. in June 2024. Speaking to "Extra" that month, Kidman said she and Bullock were "circling" a "Practical Magic" sequel "for a while" but "wanted to make sure we had a good story." When will 'Practical Magic 2' be released? "Practical Magic 2" is scheduled to hit theaters on Sept. 18, 2026.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix announces new series based on one of the biggest video games of all time
Netflix has confirmed it is moving forward with a live-action adaptation of the hugely popular video game series Assassin's Creed Netflix has officially announced the go-ahead for a live-action series adaptation of the massively popular Assassin's Creed video games. After five years of anticipation, whispers of the series began when Netflix inked a deal with Ubisoft, the game's developer, in 2020. The streaming giant has now confirmed that the project is set to embark on its journey, with Emmy-nominated scribes Roberto Patino (known for Westworld and Sons of Anarchy) and David Wiener (Halo) at the helm as creators, showrunners, and executive producers. Drawing from one of the most successful gaming franchises ever, which boasts over 200 million copies sold, each instalment of the game series introduces a protagonist who accesses their ancestors' memories, all members of a clandestine order of assassins entwined with historical events. The logline for the forthcoming Netflix series reads: "Assassin's Creed is a high-octane thriller centered on the secret war between two shadowy factions - one set on determining mankind's future through control and manipulation, while the other fights to preserve free will", reports the Express. "The series follows its characters across pivotal historical events as they battle to shape humanity's destiny." Patino and Wiener expressed their enthusiasm, stating jointly: "We've been fans of Assassin's Creed since its release in 2007. "Every day we work on this show, we come away excited and humbled by the possibilities that Assassin's Creed opens to us. "Beneath the scope, the spectacle, the parkour and the thrills is a baseline for the most essential kind of human story - about people searching for purpose, struggling with questions of identity and destiny and faith. "It is about power and violence and sex and greed and vengeance. "But more than anything, this is a show about the value of human connection, across cultures, across time. Watch Stranger Things on Netflix for free with Sky This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £15 Sky Get the deal here Product Description "And it's about what we stand to lose as a species, when those connections break. We've got an amazing team behind us with the folks at Ubisoft and our champions at Netflix, and we're committed to creating something undeniable for fans all over the planet." Netflix has previously struck gold adapting beloved gaming franchises, with animated hits including Castlevania, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Arcane - the latter being inspired by the popular online title League of Legends. The streaming giant also transformed the horror series Resident Evil into a live-action offering back in 2022. Netflix's upcoming Assassin's Creed series comes after the widely criticised 2016 cinema adaptation featuring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Forget 'The Last Of Us' — Netflix just announced a 'high-octane thriller' based on the Assassin's Creed franchise
Remember when Netflix and Ubisoft revealed they were partnering to "develop content" based on the "Assassin's Creed" franchise... almost five years ago? Well, yesterday (July 17), both parties confirmed that the first project from this partnership had finally been given the green light. Netflix's first "Assassin's Creed" show will also be a live-action video game adaptation, similar to HBO Max's "The Last Of Us," or Prime Video's hit "Fallout" adaptation. While it's still early days, we do have a few key details about the show to date, courtesy of announcements shared by Netflix (via Tudum)and Ubisoft. Here's everything we know about Netflix's "Assassin's Creed" series so far. The big thing to know (besides the fact that anything is happening at all, at least) is that Emmy nominees Roberto Patino ("Westworld," "Sons of Anarchy") and David Wiener ("Halo," "Homecoming") are on hand as series creators, showrunners, and executive producers. Patino and Wiener have issued a joint statement on the project, which leans on the scope and hints at the thrills we can expect. It reads: "We've been fans of Assassin's Creed since its release in 2007. Every day we work on this show, we come away excited and humbled by the possibilities that Assassin's Creed opens to us. "Beneath the scope, the spectacle, the parkour and the thrills is a baseline for the most essential kind of human story — about people searching for purpose, struggling with questions of identity and destiny and faith. It is about power and violence and sex and greed and vengeance. "But more than anything, this is a show about the value of human connection, across cultures, across time, and it's about what we stand to lose as a species when those connections break. We've got an amazing team behind us with the folks at Ubisoft and our champions at Netflix, and we're committed to creating something undeniable for fans all over the planet." Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Other than that, we've got a series logline from Netflix. Unfortunately, it doesn't give us any hints at when in the franchise's timeline the show will be set, or which characters may crop up — but it does make the show sound exciting all the same. "Assassin's Creed is a high-octane thriller centered on the secret war between two shadowy factions — one set on determining mankind's future through control and manipulation, while the other fights to preserve free will. The series follows its characters across pivotal historical events as they battle to shape humanity's destiny." No casting info has been revealed as yet, nor do we have a release date, but seeing as the show's just been greenlit (and it sounds like it'll be a major production), I doubt we'll be seeing anything from Netflix's Assassin's Creed adaptation anytime soon. Netflix's track record with video game properties has mostly been pretty solid, with the caveat that the big hits are all animated shows like "Arcane," "Castlevania," or "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners." (I'm not really counting "The Witcher" here, as it draws from Andrzej Sapkowski's books, rather than CD Projekt's RPGs). The streamer's live-action "Resident Evil" series was a swing and a miss for me, but I'm open to the possibility that "Assassin's Creed" could be a success. Netflix's VP of Scripted Series, Peter Friedlander, sure has talked the forthcoming series up, too. In the announcement, Friedlander said Netflix and Ubisoft set out with "an ambitious goal to bring the rich, expansive world of Assassin's Creed to life in bold new ways," and goes on to bill the forthcoming show as "an epic adventure that both honors the legacy of the Assassin's Creed franchise and invites longtime fans and newcomers alike to experience the thrill of the Brotherhood as never before." It's a statement designed to generate hype, but given we've seen so many games make the hop to our screens successfully in recent years, and the fact that the show's been in development for some time already, I'm optimistic that everyone involved has cooked something up that's going to be worth watching. The way I see it, the "Assassin's Creed" series team certainly has plenty of material at their fingertips. There's loads of lore to be dealt with, and there's still loads of human history yet to get the Assassin's Creed treatment. Whether or not the series can be a hit like "Fallout" or "The Last Of Us" remains to be seen, but I can't help but see Ubisoft's history-hopping franchise as a potential springboard for success. Yes, even after the Assassin's Creed movie. Need something to watch while you wait for the live-action "Assassin's Creed" series to arrive? Check out our round-up of the best Netflix shows for tons more streaming recommendations perfect for your watchlist. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
