Deadline broke the news that Toby Wallace has been cast as a co-star in the upcoming new adaptation of the Netflix series, Assassin’s Creed, based on the Ubisoft video games.
According to Deadline’s report, the Netflix series will be set to begin filming in 2026 with production to take place in Italy. The sheer fact of Italy being the chosen location has caused fans to break out in speculation for the main man himself, Ezio Auditore da Firenze.
Ezio feels like a stretch, as, according to reports, they emphasized two points:
- Italy is the chosen location for filming
- It will feature new characters
This is the only direct news we have so far, but it doesn’t stop fans speculating, and it doesn’t stop us speculating either.
Assassin’s Creed has never quite felt the same since the 3-game series surrounding Ezio ended. I felt disconnected from the franchise even further when Desmond was killed off.
The franchise has had decent games here and there, but in recent years, it’s never quite lived up to the high expectations the early games did, especially the three in relation to Ezio. The movie was a complete disaster as well.
This begs the question. Does Netflix try and take the safe route? Focusing on Ezio is naturally going to create intrigue and hype. It’s Ezio after all.
The issue I have with them going down that road is the expectation. It’ll be high. Ezio is one of the most beloved video game characters in history. You get it wrong, and it’s game over before it even begins. If you get it right, it’s a hit.
Ezio would be interesting. New characters would also be interesting. They have to get it right.
The Templars, the Animus, the present-day characters, the assassins themselves. They need to focus on the Brotherhood and not go completely off script, which the games have done in the last 5+ years. I miss the robes, the hidden blade, the rituals, the present-day drama, and, more importantly, actual assassins doing what they’re best at.
I’m hopeful, and I’m glad the series is now picking up steam. It’s felt stagnant considering it was announced in 2020, and this has been the first breakthrough in news since then.
