Splinter Cell: Deathwatch – Netflix’s Bold Animated Adaptation Reimagines a Gaming Icon

Fans of the legendary Splinter Cell franchise were treated to an exclusive first look at the upcoming animated Netflix series Deathwatch during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The event featured three gripping clips that introduced protagonist Sam Fisher—voiced by acclaimed actor Liev Schreiber—highlighting a cinematic fight sequence, a high-octane car chase, and Fisher’s on-screen debut in the animated format.

Set in the year 2025, Deathwatch marks a bold reimagining of Ubisoft’s iconic stealth-action saga. Known for its espionage-driven gameplay and morally complex narratives, Splinter Cell follows Sam Fisher, a seasoned black-ops agent of the NSA’s covert “Third Echelon.” The series was first announced in 2020 and is now gearing up for its highly anticipated debut on Netflix later this year.

Squid Game Season 3: Everything You Need to Know Before the Final Round

A Cinematic Vision Rooted in Realism

Director Guillaume Dousse described his artistic approach as a fusion of cinematic and anime influences, specifically citing Michael Mann, Satoshi Kon, and Ghost in the Shell. These inspirations shape the visual tone of Deathwatch, with Dousse emphasizing a desire to bring a moody, noir-inspired atmosphere to animation—complete with melancholic mise-en-scène and deliberately paced storytelling.

“We took huge inspiration from live action,” Dousse explained. “There is this element of melancholy. We wanted a world full of contrasts.”

Dousse’s ambition is most evident in the animation style itself. Unlike typical fast-paced animated content, Deathwatch embraces slower, more contemplative sequences, including fixed-camera shots reminiscent of the 17-minute dialogue scene in Steve McQueen’s Hunger. The soundtrack, influenced by shows like Ozark and Tokyo Vice, further deepens the immersive atmosphere.

A New Kind of Sam Fisher

Liev Schreiber’s casting as Sam Fisher marks a pivotal change from the video games, where Fisher was famously voiced by Michael Ironside. While Ironside has stepped away due to age, producer Hugo Revon emphasized that Schreiber brings a grounded authenticity that complements the show’s mature tone.

“It was important to have someone like Schreiber, who’s known for live action,” said Revon. “He brings a natural, lived-in quality to the role.”

The creative team has drawn comparisons between Fisher and aging action icons like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, though they aim for a more weathered, realistic portrayal of a veteran operative. The narrative touches on themes of age, experience, and how the world—and warfare—has evolved.

Modern Warfare in a Modern World

Ubisoft development manager Carl Tamakloe highlighted the show’s efforts to reflect the complexities of modern conflict. Set against the backdrop of hybrid warfare and disinformation, the plot incorporates contemporary threats like cyberattacks, propaganda, and energy politics. One storyline revolves around a fictional Cop 31 climate conference, showcasing how power struggles now extend far beyond the battlefield.

“We wanted the show to feel grounded in 2025,” Tamakloe said. “Today, war is fought with narratives and misinformation as much as with weapons.”

10 Best War Movie Scripts Aspiring Writers Should Read Today

Described as a “roadtrip across Europe,” Deathwatch takes viewers on a journey through diverse European locales while delving into urgent geopolitical themes. It’s a strategic move to attract both long-time fans and new viewers with a taste for gripping espionage stories.

As anticipation builds, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch positions itself as a standout entry in the growing field of mature animated storytelling, blending action, atmosphere, and introspection in equal measure.