The associations are well-founded. The character conceals their face under a hood, leaps agilely across Parisian rooftops, and even takes part in the French Revolution. It brings to mind Assassin's Creed Unity, as Ubisoft noted on X.
“Keep an eye on the rooftops of Paris — Arno might just be watching from above”
The “Assassin” first appeared at 8:40 of the broadcast. According to a statement from a Ubisoft representative, the hooded figure’s appearance was not the result of a collaboration between the games’ organizers and the French publisher.
Kotaku writes:
“We are deeply impressed by the opening ceremony. We are very proud to see Assassin's Creed as one of the inspirations for the show's talented creators. It is a true testament to the influence of video games on popular culture.”
It wouldn’t be complete without memes. Here is Zinedine Zidane as Agent 47:
According to France24, it is most likely a mix of several rooftop-running characters from French culture, including Arsène Lupin — a gentleman thief, detective, and hero of 20th-century adventure books.
The masked figure could also be a reference to the Man in the Iron Mask.
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Illustration source: X
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Cover author: Ubisoft. Cover source: Ubisoft