Ralph Ineson, the acclaimed actor who voiced the pirate Charles Vane in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, recently shared his strong feelings about the news that Ubisoft allegedly canceled an Assassin’s Creed game set during the American Civil War.
Taking to social media, Ineson’s concise reaction was simply, “Once again, f**k off.”
According to a report from Game File, the concept for the canceled game would have explored the American Civil War and Reconstruction era (1860s-1870s). This historical setting was reportedly deemed too sensitive. The game, which was canceled early in its development, was envisioned to feature a Black protagonist. This character would have been an escaped enslaved person who forged a new life outside the South, only to be later recruited by the Assassins and return to confront notorious racist organizations, including the Ku Klux Klan.
This wouldn’t have been the first Assassin’s Creed title to explore North American history. Assassin’s Creed III, for instance, was set during the American Revolution across 18th-century Boston, New York City, and the American frontier. That game also stirred some debate, particularly with its DLC, “The Tyranny of King Washington,” which imagined an alternate reality where George Washington declared himself king.
Ineson is a highly experienced English actor, boasting over 150 roles. His recent work includes portraying Galactus in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” He’s also recognized for his performances in popular shows and films such as “The Office,” “Game of Thrones,” “Chernobyl,” “The Witch,” “The Green Knight,” and “The Creator.” Beyond film and TV, his voice acting contributions to video games include his role in Black Flag, Diablo IV, and Final Fantasy XVI.
Coincidentally, a remake of Black Flag is reportedly underway, with a projected release in 2026.