Liev Schreiber brings Sam Fisher to life in animated Splinter Cell series

On September 16, 2025, Netflix released the first trailer for its animated series adaptation of the popular video game franchise, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell. This new series, titled Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, features actor Liev Schreiber in the role of agent Sam Fisher, who is portrayed as an older character grappling with a complex past while training a new recruit to uncover a global conspiracy directly linked to his history. As highlighted in the trailer, Fisher now carries the distinguishing features of grey hair and a thick beard, reflecting his years of experience in the field. The Splinter Cell video game series, published by Ubisoft, first launched in 2002 and became a hallmark of stealth-action gameplay, encouraging players to utilize shadows and stealth tactics to complete missions. The series is best known for its iconic protagonist, Sam Fisher, who uses advanced technology, including night-vision goggles, to navigate dark environments and defeat opponents. Over the years, Ubisoft has produced six mainline Splinter Cell titles, with notable installments such as Pandora Tomorrow (2004) and Blacklist (2013). In addition to the games, fans have expressed a long-standing interest in seeing the franchise adapted for other media. The animated adaptation comes at a time when interest in video game adaptations in various formats, including film and television, is surging. Games like The Witcher and Arcane have seen substantial success in translating gameplay to engaging narratives, prompting Netflix to pursue similar projects, reflecting its commitment to serving the growing demand for diverse content. With this late 2025 release, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch aims to tap into both nostalgia for longtime fans of the franchise and draw in new audiences unfamiliar with the series. The trailer showcases Fisher's impressive skills as he easily takes down armed guards, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable operative. Schreiber's performance as Fisher emphasizes the internal struggles and moral dilemmas of the character. This newfound adventure appears to challenge not only Fisher's physical capabilities but also his understanding of trust and loyalty in the realm of espionage. Overall, fans eagerly anticipate the release of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, which is set to premiere on Netflix on October 14, 2025.