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Netflix casts Zachary Hart as third lead in Assassin’s Creed
Netflix has added Zachary Hart—best known for his turn on Slow Horses—to the principal cast of its live-action Assassin’s Creed series, according to Deadline. Hart joins previously announced leads Toby Wallace and Lola Petticrew in a high-profile TV adaptation of Ubisoft’s best-selling video game franchise.
What the series will explore
The show promises a tense, globe-spanning thriller built around the franchise’s central conflict: two secretive factions battling over control of humanity’s destiny. Expect the familiar themes of free will versus manipulation, historical set-pieces, and characters whose lives intersect with world-changing events. Plot details remain tightly under wraps and Hart’s specific role is confidential for now.
Production plans and creative team
Production is expected to begin in Italy in 2026, with the country reportedly serving as one of the show's main narrative backdrops. Roberto Patino and David Wiener are showrunners on the project. The series stems from the 2020 deal between Netflix and Ubisoft to develop live-action content based on Assassin’s Creed and other properties; the games have sold more than 230 million copies worldwide.
Zachary Hart: a versatile addition
Hart is a British actor and musician whose résumé spans theatre and television. He recently played Reg in the West End production of Stereophonic and appeared at the Barbican in The Seagull. On TV, his credits include guest and supporting roles on Slow Horses, Masters of the Air, The Witcher: Blood Origin, Bodies, Peaky Blinders, and Doc Martin. He is currently filming season two of Netflix’s espionage series Black Doves and will appear in BBC’s California Avenue alongside Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter, as well as Channel 4’s Big Mood.
How this adaptation fits the current trend
Assassin’s Creed arrives in a cultural moment where video game adaptations are being taken more seriously—HBO’s The Last of Us set a new benchmark for fidelity and emotional depth, while other franchises like Halo and The Witcher have shown varying levels of success. Fans will be watching closely: they want authentic world-building, smart storytelling, and action choreography that honors the source material without simply rehashing it.
A few industry expectations are already forming. Shooting in Italy suggests the series will lean into practical locations and period textures that the games are known for. And with showrunners experienced in serialized world-building, there’s room for a sprawling narrative that balances historical set pieces with modern conspiracy thriller beats.
"This casting signals Netflix's intent to blend strong character work with action-driven spectacle," says film critic Anna Kovacs. "Hart's theatrical background could bring emotional nuance to a franchise that sometimes prioritizes set-pieces over character."
Fans of the games will likely compare the series to the 2016 Assassin’s Creed movie starring Michael Fassbender—a project that impressed with visuals but divided critics on story. The TV format offers more space to explore the franchise’s rich history and moral stakes, but it also raises expectations for episodic payoff and fidelity to fans' favorite moments.
Whether the show will satisfy both newcomers and longtime fans remains to be seen, but Hart’s casting adds an interesting new layer to a production that already feels ambitious. Keep an eye on casting updates, release windows, and any production footage that hints at how Netflix will bring Assassin’s Creed’s intricate mythos to the small screen.
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