Ubisoft’s Far Cry is getting an FX/Disney+ TV series — why gamers should both cheer and worry

What just happened – and why it matters

Ubisoft just confirmed a Far Cry TV series in development at FX, set for global distribution on Disney+. Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion; attached to previous high-profile TV projects) is spearheading it, with Rob McElhenney (Mythic Quest) joining as a creative partner. It will be an anthology: each season stands alone with a new cast and setting. No release date, cast, or plot details yet.

This caught my attention because Far Cry is one of Ubisoft’s most narratively volatile franchises – each game drops you into a different island or region with a memorable big bad. An anthology format maps perfectly to that structure, but there are real questions about tone, censorship, and whether this will deepen the IP or just expand Ubisoft’s merch shelf.

• Key takeaway: Anthology format plays to Far Cry’s strengths – new villains and settings each season.
• Key takeaway: Noah Hawley’s involvement raises hopes for weird, character-driven seasons, not just paint-by-numbers action.
• Key takeaway: Disney+ distribution complicates things — FX brings edge, but global Disney branding creates tension around mature content.
• Key takeaway: Expect cross-promos and in-game tie-ins, which can be great — or annoyingly transactional.

Why this matters now

We’re in an era where successful game-to-screen adaptations (see The Last of Us) prove faithful, high-quality TV can expand an audience and make a game’s world feel canonical in new ways. Ubisoft has been trying to crack the TV/film code for years — some attempts landed (mixed critical reception for Assassin’s Creed adaptations), others faded. Far Cry getting heavy-hitter showrunners and an anthology plan feels like Ubisoft is taking the “do it right” path instead of haphazardly slapping a logo on a streaming series.

Breaking down the creative signals

Noah Hawley’s résumé (Fargo, Legion) signals appetite for character-focused, often strange narratives. That’s a fit for Far Cry’s best moments — think the unsettling charisma of Vaas or Pagan Min’s opera-esque villainy. Rob McElhenney brings comedy and production savvy, which could temper the darkness with surprising tonal shifts. Together they could produce seasons that feel like mini-thrillers rather than straight-up video game adaptations.

The platform question: FX meets Disney+

FX has a track record for mature, risky shows; Disney+ is a family-facing platform with adult hubs (like Star in some regions). Globally delivering a show that captures Far Cry’s brutality and moral ambiguity without being neutered will be a technical and marketing dance. In short: the show can be bold, but expect heavy regional branding decisions and possible content edits depending on territory.

What gamers should expect (and do)

• Replay the highlights: Far Cry 3, 4, 5 and 6 are the best primer for the range of tones the show could explore.
• Watch for early casting and showrunner interviews — they’ll reveal whether each season will riff directly on a specific game or tell wholly new stories in the franchise’s spirit.
• Be ready for cross-media pushes: in-game cosmetics, limited events, and bundled promotions are almost guaranteed.

Where this could go wrong

The biggest risk is turning Far Cry into an extended marketing vehicle: glossy episodes intended mainly to sell themed bundles, NFTs, or deluxe editions. There’s also the tonal mismatch risk — Disney+/global distribution could water down the franchise’s grit. Lastly, anthology shows can be uneven; one great season doesn’t guarantee the next will land.

Why I’m cautiously optimistic

Far Cry’s core strength is its villains and its willingness to place players in ethically ambiguous situations. Put the right writers and directors on one of those seasons and you get something cinematic and unnerving that also elevates the games. Hawley’s name sells the potential for originality; McElhenney’s presence keeps the door open to tonal range. That’s rare for game adaptations.

TL;DR

Ubisoft’s Far Cry TV series at FX/Disney+ is a smart fit structurally and could be the kind of adaptation that actually adds to the franchise — but pay attention to tone, platform compromises, and how Ubisoft chooses to monetize tie-ins. This is worth getting excited about, just don’t hand over hype dollars until we see a trailer and a season one writer’s room credit list.