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New cast member brings Game of Thrones pedigree to Assassin’s Creed
Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Assassin’s Creed has added a notable new name to its lineup: Tanzin Crawford. Best known for her turn in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and the 2023 drama Tiny Beautiful Things, Crawford joins an already stacked cast that includes Toby Wallace, Lola Petticrew, Zachary Hart, and Laura Marcus. The series is an ambitious reimagining of Ubisoft’s bestselling franchise and aims to translate the games’ sweeping historical scope into episodic television.
What to expect from the adaptation
Described by insiders as a high-stakes thriller, the show centers on a covert conflict between two shadowy factions: one that seeks to steer humanity’s future through control and manipulation, and another that fights to preserve individual freedom and free will. Like the games, the series will weave personal stories into major historical events, putting characters in the eye of consequential moments as they vie to shape humanity’s fate.
Crawford’s exact role remains under wraps, and producers have hinted that the show’s characters will differ from familiar players in the games. That creative choice could help the series appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers who expect fresh storylines rather than straight adaptations of game plots.
Production details and industry context
Filming is scheduled to begin in 2026 in Italy, which will serve as one of the show’s primary locations—no surprise given the AC franchise’s long love affair with European history and architecture. Netflix’s move to adapt a major AAA IP follows an industry trend: streaming services have been hunting for established game and franchise properties that bring built-in audiences. Previous attempts to bring Assassin’s Creed to screen include the 2016 feature film starring Michael Fassbender; TV offers more room to explore the franchise’s layered mythology and multiple time periods.
Tanzin Crawford is no stranger to genre TV. She first drew attention in Tiny Beautiful Things and has appeared on Apple TV+'s Servant as a guest star, as well as in the Australian drama Swift Street. Her casting marks her second major role in a high-profile, IP-driven series following her part in the Game of Thrones prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Fans of both the games and prestige television will be watching closely: Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has sold more than 230 million copies, and expectations are high for a faithful yet inventive adaptation. Skepticism remains—adapting dense game lore into episodic drama is tricky—but with experienced actors, cinematic locations, and a clearly ambitious premise, Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed could join the growing list of successful game-to-TV translations.
A final note: while plot specifics and Crawford’s character are still secret, the casting signals Netflix’s commitment to building a serious, historically rich series rather than a straightforward action show. Stay tuned as production gears up in Italy and more casting and timeline details emerge.
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