A fresh preview has dropped for Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, the animated series collaboration between Netflix and Ubisoft, offering a deeper dive into this reimagining of Sam Fisher. We also get an extended listen to Liev Schreiber’s portrayal of the seasoned operative. Initial reservations have transformed into optimism, with high hopes that Schreiber will deliver a compelling performance. The ultimate question now is whether the series as a whole will live up to its potential.
Ubisoft unveiled the official trailer for Splinter Cell: Deathwatch on September 16th. This new animated venture adapts the renowned stealth-action video game saga into an episodic format, scheduled for exclusive release on Netflix starting October 14th. The trailer showcases quintessential Sam Fisher: employing stealth tactics, sporting his signature goggles, eliminating targets with precision, and exhibiting his characteristic grumbling.
Liev Schreiber’s interpretation of Sam Fisher is further revealed, presenting a distinct take compared to Michael Ironside’s established rendition. However, Schreiber effectively captures the essence of a hardened veteran on the verge of losing his cool, promising dire consequences for anyone who crosses his path. While the absence of Ironside, the original voice actor from the games, is felt, there’s reassurance that Sam Fisher is in capable hands. Excitement is brewing for any new Splinter Cell content, regardless of its form.
The latest trailer sheds light on the series’ narrative. Following the acquisition of crucial intelligence by a younger agent named Zinnia, she seeks out Sam Fisher for assistance. This sets Fisher on a mission involving Douglas Shetland, a formidable antagonist and former associate from the Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow and Chaos Theory games. Shetland’s daughter has grown into a powerful figure, seemingly heading a nefarious corporation. The stakes are clearly high!
Intriguingly, the trailer includes a brief glimpse of the climax from Chaos Theory, depicting Sam and Douglas in a standoff with weapons drawn. The series appears to establish as canon the event of Sam Fisher shooting Shetland, a choice left to the player in the game. Failure to pull the trigger would result in Shetland attacking Sam, requiring a dodge followed by a fatal stab. The canonicity of Deathwatch in relation to the games remains somewhat ambiguous. If it is indeed part of the established lore, it raises questions about other potential additions to the franchise’s surprisingly rich backstory.
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is penned and produced by Derek Kolstad, the writer behind John Wick. The series will be available for streaming on Netflix starting October 14th.