Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Hits Netflix as Director Comments on Remake

Netflix has released Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, an animated series following a retired Sam Fisher returning for a final mission. The show’s director, Guillaume Dousse, expressed enthusiasm for the franchise but confirmed he cannot share details about Ubisoft’s Splinter Cell remake.

"I wish I had something to say, and the security clearance to get this kind of information," Dousse said, laughing during an interview about Deathwatch.

The series centers on an older Sam Fisher who comes out of retirement to assist a young operative, Zinnia McKenna, on a mission that goes awry. Episodes run approximately 22 minutes each, maintaining a brisk pace and limiting downtime, while combining action sequences such as gunfights, knife fights, and chases with shorter stealth moments.

"There was definitely a connection with the team working, or who have worked on Splinter Cell, and I know that there have been, definitely, discussions about this," Dousse added. "But in terms of the details, I can't really say much, unfortunately."

Before directing Deathwatch, Dousse was a longtime fan of stealth action games, citing Splinter Cell, Hitman, and Metal Gear as major influences. He played the first trilogy during his early teens and emphasised the cinematic and strategic appeal of these games. "The stealth action games were very much my jam back then," he said.

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is a brisk, animated adaptation that favours action over the slow-burn stealth of the games. Liev Schreiber takes on Sam Fisher, portraying a more subdued, older operative who quickly jumps back into the field without the clichéd “reluctant hero” beats. The series balances short stealth moments with tense gunfights, knife fights, and high-speed chases, keeping episodes lean and engaging at just 22 minutes each. While longtime fans may miss the intricate sneaking gameplay and Michael Ironside’s iconic voice, the grounded animation, streamlined plot, and mentor dynamic between Fisher and rookie agent Zinnia McKenna make Deathwatch a compelling watch for newcomers and a decent adaptation for franchise fans.

The series introduces familiar characters, including Anna "Grim" Grímsdóttir, Fisher’s former handler, and Douglas Shetland, revisited through flashbacks. New characters such as hacker Thunder and agent McKenna expand the Fourth Echelon team. Sam acts as a mentor for McKenna, with their relationship avoiding common clichés of the reluctant hero or condescending mentor.

While Deathwatch offers limited stealth compared to the games, the action is grounded and choreographed, capturing the tension expected from a Splinter Cell story. The show’s streamlined plot allows viewers to follow the story efficiently while maintaining suspense surrounding the central conspiracy.

"It is definitely a franchise that I wish would come back as a game format," Dousse said. "In my seat, I just felt very fortunate to be able to bring back Sam, and I really hope that this series will help as well, you know, give more reasons to revive the games."

Dousse also shared his perspective on a potential remake, stating he would like to see a faithful reimagining of the first game rather than a simple visual upscale. He expressed curiosity about how Deathwatch’s events or character developments could influence future games.

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch succeeds as a lean, action-focused animated series. While it sacrifices the deep stealth mechanics and Michael Ironside’s iconic voice that longtime fans love, the tight episodes, grounded animation, and well-choreographed action keep the story engaging. Liev Schreiber’s portrayal of an older Sam Fisher and the mentor dynamic with Zinnia McKenna add depth, making it an enjoyable watch for newcomers and a respectable, if not fully faithful, entry in the franchise.

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is now available to stream on Netflix, offering fans a mix of familiar characters, concise episodes, and action-oriented storytelling. While the series does not replace the experience of playing a game, it brings Sam Fisher back into the spotlight and reignites interest in the long-awaited Ubisoft Splinter Cell remake.