The shadows have always been Sam Fisher`s domain, a realm of silent infiltration and unseen justice. Now, as Netflix prepares to launch Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, the iconic stealth operative is stepping into a new medium with a vision that promises to be anything but quiet. Showrunner Derek Kolstad, known for his work on the John Wick saga, has revealed a philosophy for adaptation that might send shivers down the spines of purist fans: he intends to “rip the spine out” of the source material.
The Art of Deconstruction: Keeping the Brain, Heart, and Soul
Kolstad’s statement to IGN isn’t merely provocative; it outlines a surgical approach to adaptation. “You have to rip the spine out of the source material,” he stated, “Keep the brain and the heart, entertain the soul, and do your best to actually build it into something that works.” This isn’t an act of disrespect, but rather a pragmatic acknowledgment of the inherent differences between interactive video games and linear animated storytelling.
The “brain” represents the core themes – espionage, morality, sacrifice. The “heart” is Sam Fisher himself, his stoic determination and unique skill set. And the “soul”? Perhaps that`s the lingering sense of tension and sophisticated gadgetry that defines the Splinter Cell experience. It`s a delicate balance, one that aims to preserve the essence while discarding structural elements that might hinder a new narrative format. One might even argue that such a deconstruction is necessary for an IP to truly evolve beyond its initial form, much like a well-executed covert operation requires adapting to changing circumstances rather than blindly following an outdated blueprint.
A New Voice for the Shadows: Liev Schreiber Steps In
Perhaps the most significant departure for many long-time fans will be the casting of Liev Schreiber as the voice of Sam Fisher. For decades, Michael Ironside`s gravelly, authoritative tones have been synonymous with the Third Echelon agent. Kolstad, while expressing his admiration for Ironside`s legendary performance, explained the team`s desire for “a new sound” for the animated series.
Schreiber`s selection wasn`t arbitrary. Kolstad cited his performance as John Clark in the 2002 film The Sum of All Fears as a key influence. “Say what you will about that movie, but Liev Schreiber as John Clark was perfect,” Kolstad remarked. The connection here is quite fitting: both Sam Fisher and John Clark are creations of Tom Clancy, inhabiting similar universes of geopolitical intrigue and shadowy operatives. It`s an interesting cross-pollination, suggesting a deliberate attempt to infuse Fisher with a sensibility reminiscent of another beloved Clancy character. While some may lament the absence of the familiar voice, this casting choice underscores Kolstad`s intent to craft a distinct, yet thematically aligned, interpretation of the character. After all, even the best spies sometimes need a new alias, or in this case, a new vocal cadence, to remain effective.
Canon, Remakes, and the Unfolding Future of Splinter Cell
Deathwatch is set decades after the original games, raising questions about its place within the broader Splinter Cell lore. Kolstad admits he’s unsure if it will be officially canon, noting that Ubisoft “got a stranglehold on their IP for good measure.” He also hinted at Ubisoft`s “other plans” which dictated certain creative boundaries. These “other plans” are most likely a reference to the long-awaited Splinter Cell remake, which was announced in 2022 but has remained largely in the shadows, much like Fisher himself.
The existence of a Netflix animated series and a console remake simultaneously suggests a renewed push to revitalize the Splinter Cell franchise. While the remake aims to reintroduce the original narrative to a new generation with modern fidelity, Deathwatch seems positioned to explore new stories and perhaps even a different facet of Sam Fisher`s persona. The addition of Steam achievements to Splinter Cell: Blacklist earlier this year, a game released over a decade ago, further indicates that Ubisoft is, at the very least, dusting off the archives. It appears the ghost of Third Echelon is stirring, preparing for more than just one mission.
October 14: The Verdict Awaits
As Splinter Cell: Deathwatch prepares for its Netflix premiere on October 14, all eyes will be on how Kolstad`s bold vision translates to the screen. Will his “spine-ripping” philosophy create a compelling new chapter for Sam Fisher, or will it prove to be a step too far for the legions of fans who cherish the original? The answer will lie in the shadows, waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to watch. The game, it seems, has officially changed.
Callum Darby