The highly anticipated animated TV series “Splinter Cell: Deathwatch” was first teased at the Annecy Animation Festival, following its initial announcement during Geeked Week last September. Co-produced by Ubisoft TV & Film Division in collaboration with Æsten and Fost Animation studios, the series aims to capture the essence of the successful “Splinter Cell” franchise, known for its gritty realism, stealth/espionage setting, and geopolitical warfare.
During the presentation at Annecy, never-before-seen footage of the upcoming series was showcased to an enthusiastic audience. The “Splinter Cell” franchise, inspired by the works of renowned novelist Tom Clancy, made its debut in 2002 with Ubisoft’s groundbreaking video game. With a total of six games released and over 30 million units sold worldwide, “Splinter Cell” has established itself as a major brand for Ubisoft across various media platforms.
The animated series, helmed by director of development Hugo Revon, aims to appeal to a broader audience beyond just video game and animation enthusiasts. Revon emphasized the importance of realism in the “Splinter Cell” universe, pushing the boundaries of storytelling through animation. The series explores a near-future world where protagonist Sam Fisher navigates through a complex web of geopolitical challenges and high-stakes espionage.
With acclaimed actor Liev Schreiber lending his voice to the iconic character of Sam Fisher, directors Guillaume Dousse and Félicien Colmet-Daâge promise a cinematic experience that blends action-packed sequences with moments of intense infiltration. Drawing inspiration from filmmakers like Michael Mann and Satoshi Kon, the series promises to deliver a thrilling narrative crafted by co-creator and writer Derek Kolstad.
To maintain a high level of authenticity, the production team turned to French animation studio Fost, known for their work on realistic animations. Co-director Félicien Colmet-Daâge highlighted the challenges of delivering top-quality animation while staying true to the essence of the franchise. The animation process involved meticulous attention to detail, with a focus on character expressions and lifelike movements.
Animation Supervisor Gaëlle Thierry emphasized the importance of capturing reality in the animation process, steering away from exaggerated movements and focusing on subtle nuances that bring characters to life. The series is set to immerse viewers in a European-centric thriller, exploring a world where technology, politics, and espionage intersect in a gripping narrative.
Scheduled for release exclusively on Netflix this fall, “Splinter Cell: Deathwatch” promises to reignite the excitement and intrigue of the beloved franchise in a new and engaging format. With a talented team of creators and a commitment to delivering a premium viewing experience, the series is poised to captivate audiences with its blend of suspense, action, and intrigue.
