Assassin’s Creed gave us a pretty original premise in gaming: players step into a supercomputer called the Animus, which allows them to explore history through the shared genetic memories of their ancestors. Spawning 12 major installments and 9 spinoff games, the series is popular for its stealthy mechanics and extremely vibrant historical worlds. Unfortunately, the first attempt to adapt the games into film wasn’t as successful. Indeed, the 2016 live-action movie Assassin’s Creed, starring Michael Fassbender, didn’t live up to fan expectations during its initial release

The movie was entertaining enough, but it suffered for multiple reasons. The producers tried to make a brand-new character while incorporating a few choice pieces of lore, but the blend simply didn’t hold up. It was hard to follow even for fans of the series, and widespread negative reception caused 21st Century Fox to drop its plans for a sequel. That said, Assassin’s Creed has major potential to become a cinematic masterpiece, but producers need to tackle it from a different angle. Specifically, the upcoming Netflix adaptation of the series, also called Assassin's Creed, needs to focus on Ezio Auditore da Firenze — here's why.

Related: Here's Why Assassin's Creed Deserves a Movie Reboot

Players Spent the Most Time With Ezio

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Via: Ubisoft

Ezio is the only assassin to have his own trilogy within the series. Between Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood and Revelations, his story makes up an entire quarter of the main franchise. As such, players got to spend more time with him than any other assassin; he's one of the most iconic characters in Assassin's Creed and many gamers recognize him even if they haven't played the series.

This is perfect for Netflix's live-action adaptation — instead of building an entirely new story in the extensive narrative, Netflix can follow a beloved character who makes a considerable impact in the fictional universe. The producers could retell his history in a new cinematic light, or they could show us adventures that weren't covered in his games. Either way, it's far easier for fans to connect with an existing and weighty character like Ezio than any new assassin.

His Character Arc is One of the Best in Video Games

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Via: Ubisoft

The tale of Ezio Auditore da Firenze is heartbreaking, awe-inspiring, and it sets the stage for many other Assassins in the Order. Players got to experience his evolution from a reckless young man into the wise, mature assassin he needed to be.

We first met Ezio in Assassin's Creed II, which takes place in Italy during the height of the European Renaissance. Affluent and handsome, he was 17 and led an extremely comfortable life. One of his earliest scenes in the game is a street brawl with a rival gang of young men, followed by a late-night visit to the lovely Cristina Vespucci. It isn't until a longtime family friend hangs his father and brothers for treason that he realizes a conspiracy is taking place, and this is where he first learns of his heritage as an Assassin. The deaths of his loved ones permanently change Ezio, and he's quick to accept the massive responsibility placed on his shoulders.

Brotherhood took place immediately after Assassin's Creed II, and players once again saw everything Ezio loved fall apart. His mentor and loving uncle Mario was slain, his new home was destroyed, and he was forced to flee to Rome. Ezio then takes it upon himself to rebuild the Assassin ranks, dismantling the destructive Borgia Empire in the process.

After this, Revelations takes Ezio to Constantinople. While searching for the sacred library of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, he aids the Assassins in bringing an end to the Templar-led Byzantine Empire. By the game's finale, he's had access to the god-like Apple of Eden twice; instead of becoming mad with power, he chooses to leave the Apple behind and lead a peaceful life instead.

Renaissance Europe is a Flawless Setting

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Ubisoft

While all Assassin's Creed games feature gorgeous historical backdrops, none make quite the same impact as Renaissance Europe. Ezio's trilogy takes place from 1459 to around 1511, one of the greatest developing periods of the rebirth of mankind. 14th century Italy is filled with art, music, science and romance, giving us an unforgettable setting for the show. Delving deeper into Revelations, Constantinople was also alive with culture and history, taking the players into an impressive new world altogether.

History is a quintessential part of the franchise, and Ezio's story offers one of the most meaningful settings in the games. His time was a heyday of discovery, communication and expression, and Netflix stands to gain a lot from this. Ezio's world is ideal for a new Assassin's Creed series, and it gives viewers the chance to see historical European landmarks and important Renaissance figures.

Related: Why Anime is the Perfect Medium for the Assassin's Creed Franchise

We Already Know Producers Can Nail the Combat Scenes

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Via: Ubisoft

The Assassin's Creed film may have been a box office flop, but it got one thing right: combat choreography. The movie's fight scenes were fluid and dazzling to watch, and every sequence was an impeccable fusion of finesse and raw power. Any future live adaptation has the potential to follow suit with even more breathtaking combat. Ezio's battle skills are unparalleled, and we already know that producers can render his prowess perfectly on screen. Between his backstory and exciting combat, the producers already have a recipe for success on their hands.

He Has Enough Substance For a Saga

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Via: Ubisoft

One of the biggest issues with modern film is a lack of substance. Without enough lore and content, stories feel empty; this causes production companies to pad movies with unnecessary filler to compensate. In terms of Assassin's Creed, Ezio is the only protagonist with enough substance to warrant an entire live-action series. His trilogy is jam-packed with crucial events, side stories and characters, all of which can translate into an enjoyable cinematic experience. If Netflix is going to bring an assassin to life (especially if they want to create sequels), Ezio is the character to focus on.