Filming has begun in Rome on the Netflix series Assassin's Creed. The series is an original story, set in Rome in 64 AD. Production is scheduled to take place primarily at Cinecittà Studios, where the existing permanent set of Ancient Rome will be expanded to immerse the filming audience in that historical period.
Assassin's Creed is an adrenaline-fueled thriller centered around an ongoing shadowy war between two secret factions: one aims to steer the future of humanity through control and manipulation, while the other is determined to fight to preserve free will. The series follows the characters through key moments in history as they battle for the fate of humanity.
Manuela Cacciamani, CEO of Cinecittà, stated: "I am honored that Netflix has chosen our Studios and sets to create such a spectacular, ambitious, and globally anticipated series. It is a sign of Cinecittà's credibility and reputation worldwide, a sign of the professionalism we offer to every type of production, regardless of genre or size. I am even more honored by the trust placed in our workers and production design department, who are collaborating on the creation of spectacular sets. This is recognition for the artistic excellence of Cinecittà Studios, and its artisans, a source of pride for the country."
The cast includes: Lola Petticrew, Toby Wallace, Zachary Hart, Laura Marcus, Tanzyn Crawford, Nabhann Rizwan, Claes Bang, Noomi Rapace, Ramzy Bedia, Sean Harris, Corrado Invernizzi, Sandra Guldberg-Kampp, Youssef Kerkour, Mirren Mack.
At over 230 million copies sold, the Assassin's Creed franchise is one of the all-time best-selling videogames and has set a global industry standard thanks to its rich and engaging narratives and spectacular, detailed 3D reconstructions. Stories have previously been set in Italy: the second (released in 2009) shone a spotlight on the Renaissance, making the Tuscan village of Monteriggioni (as Villa Auditore, the protagonist's logistical base) globally famous, along with the other historic cities featured, including Florence Venice, San Gimignano, Forlì, Rome.
The destinations featured in the games generate considerable interest, including on the tourist front, thanks to the admirable detail and historical accuracy of the scenic reconstructions. This type of engagement appeals to younger audiences particularly, and leverages the driving factors of entertainment and character identification.