Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed Is Back — They’re Betting on Ezio. Good Call or Cop-Out?

Why this announcement actually matters to gamers

This caught my attention because Netflix isn’t just dusting off another IP – they’re reportedly going after Ezio Auditore, one of gaming’s most iconic assassins, and they’ve cast Toby Wallace as a co‑lead. That combination tells you this isn’t a throwaway cash grab like the 2016 Assassin’s Creed movie: it’s an attempt to lean into a fan‑beloved storyline. If it works, Netflix could finally give the franchise a live‑action version that respects the source material. If it fails, it’ll be because expectations were sky‑high from the start.

• Netflix has cast Toby Wallace as a co‑lead and will film in Italy next year – production is accelerating.
• Reports say showrunners and Ubisoft want to adapt Ezio’s Renaissance arc instead of inventing a new story.
• That choice increases both opportunity (clear, fan‑approved material) and risk (inevitable comparison to the games).

Breaking down the announcement: what we actually know

Deadline and other outlets have picked up casting news that Toby Wallace – seen in The Society and Euphoria — is a series regular. Filming is expected to begin in Italy next year, and the showrunners (Roberto Patino and David Wiener) are reportedly steering toward adapting Ezio’s story. Ubisoft’s involvement has been highlighted, which matters because they’re the IP owners and can veto or shape key creative choices.

Why adapt Ezio? The upside and the landmines

Ezio Auditore (Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, Revelations) is the franchise’s most famous protagonist for a reason: his arc spans revenge, mentorship, and a credible rise to legend across Renaissance Italy. That gives writers clear beats to dramatize. For Netflix, it’s a safer bet than inventing a new Assassin — audiences already know the stakes, the era is cinematic, and the historical settings practically shoot themselves.

But that safety comes with landmines. Ezio fans have a precise emotional map of his journey. Deviate too far and you invite backlash; slavishly replicate game cutscenes and you end up with a series that feels like a highlight reel, not a living drama. And then there’s the perennial question: will Netflix include the modern‑day Animus framing, or drop it to appeal to viewers who haven’t played the games?

Why now — and why Toby Wallace matters

Netflix chasing proven video game content isn’t new, but the streaming landscape changed: viewers expect TV‑level worldbuilding from adaptations. The success of recent game adaptations that leaned into character (The Last of Us) shows a path: treat the source material as human drama, not just spectacle. Casting Toby Wallace signals Netflix wants a performer who can do nuance. Wallace has handled complicated, morally grey characters before — that’s important if Ezio’s arc is going to feel lived‑in rather than cosplay.

The gamer’s checklist: how to prepare

• Replay Assassin’s Creed II and Brotherhood — those are the core texts the show will likely draw from.
• Watch the key cutscenes and read fan synopses to remember beats without replaying everything.
• Follow the casting updates and teasers — Netflix and Ubisoft input will hint at how faithful the show will be.
• Join community discussions (REDdit, fan forums) early — fan theory culture will shape reception and spoilers.

The skeptical angle: three questions I want answered

• Will the series keep the Animus and modern‑day threads, or strip them out to simplify the narrative?
• Is Netflix prepared to pace a multi‑season Ezio saga, or will budget/ratings pressure force compression?
• How hands‑on is Ubisoft? Too much corporate oversight can sterilize a show; too little risks alienating fans.

These are not nitpicks — they determine whether this becomes a cultural hit or another footnote. Netflix has learned from both its hits and misses; this production feels more cautious and collaborative than the last movie, which bodes well.

TL;DR — What gamers should expect

Netflix casting Toby Wallace and focusing on Ezio is a promising pivot toward a faithful, character‑driven adaptation. It increases the odds of a series that respects the games, but also raises the bar: faithful = scrutiny. If you care, replay Ezio’s games, watch for casting and showrunner interviews, and temper hype with healthy skepticism. This could be the Assassin’s Creed adaptation fans finally deserve — or another reminder that translating gameplay energy to TV is hard. Either way, I’ll be watching, primed for either payoff or trainwreck.