Splinter Cell: Deathwatch – Netflix Animated Series Details

Last Updated: October 21, 2025

After years of radio silence, Sam Fisher is finally emerging from the shadows, not just in a game, but in a highly anticipated animated series from Netflix. Officially titled Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, the project is confirmed to be an adult animated thriller that aims to bring the tense, high-stakes world of Third Echelon to a new medium.

While fans eagerly await news on Ubisoft's in-development game remake, new details about the animated adaptation have reignited excitement and speculation about the future of the iconic stealth franchise.

A New Mission: What is Splinter Cell: Deathwatch?

First announced in 2020, the Splinter Cell animated series is helmed by writer and showrunner Derek Kolstad, best known as the creative force behind the John Wick franchise. This pedigree alone promises a series that understands intricate world-building and visceral, grounded action. Recent reveals from Netflix confirm the show, Deathwatch, is being developed as a slick, violent, and suspenseful conspiracy thriller. The "adult animation" tag suggests the series will not shy away from the darker, more mature themes that have defined the games, from geopolitical intrigue to the grim realities of espionage.

While a firm release date or a full trailer remains under wraps, the confirmation of the show's title and key talent signals that the project is actively moving forward, providing a much-needed update for fans who have been waiting patiently for Sam Fisher's return to their screens.

The New Voice of Sam Fisher

One of the most significant pieces of news is the casting of Sam Fisher himself. Golden Globe-nominated actor Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan, Spotlight) will be lending his voice to the legendary operative. This marks a departure from Michael Ironside, whose iconic, gravelly performance is synonymous with the character for an entire generation of gamers. While any recasting of Fisher is bound to be scrutinized, Schreiber's reputation for intense, dramatic roles has been widely seen as a fitting choice to bring a new dimension to the character, balancing his lethal professionalism with the world-weary grit that defines him.

The Elephant in the Room: The Splinter Cell Game Remake

The conversation around Deathwatch is intrinsically linked to the status of the video game franchise. The original article's speculation about a new game has since been confirmed: Ubisoft is actively developing a full-blown remake of the original Splinter Cell. Built from the ground up in the Snowdrop engine (the same engine behind The Division series and the upcoming Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora), the remake aims to deliver next-generation visuals and gameplay while preserving the linear, stealth-focused spirit of the 2002 classic.

However, development on the remake has been a quiet affair. The animated series, therefore, serves a dual purpose. It's a strategic move to re-engage a dormant fanbase and introduce the world of Splinter Cell to a broader Netflix audience, potentially building a massive groundswell of hype that could directly benefit the game's eventual launch. For fans starved of content, Deathwatch will be the first new narrative from the franchise in over a decade.

Awaiting Intel: The Future of a Franchise

The combination of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch and the announced game remake confirms that Ubisoft is staging a significant revival for one of its most beloved properties. The animated series has the potential to redefine Sam Fisher for a new audience while the remake promises to return the series to its purist stealth roots. While key details like release dates for both projects are still classified, the long, dark night for Splinter Cell fans is finally over. Sam Fisher is back in the field, and his next mission on Netflix could be his most important one yet—paving the way for the triumphant return of a gaming icon.