Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Trailer Ignites Hype for Sam Fisher’s Animated Return

The Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Trailer has finally dropped, and it’s got fans buzzing with excitement for the return of Sam Fisher, the iconic stealth operative from Ubisoft’s legendary video game franchise.

This animated series, set to premiere on Netflix, promises a gritty, action-packed dive into the world of espionage, with a fresh take on the beloved character. Voiced by Liev Schreiber, the trailer teases a darker, more personal mission for Fisher, blending stealth, suspense, and a modern twist on hybrid warfare.

Let’s break down the key details, explore what makes this trailer so thrilling, and dive into what fans can expect from this long-awaited adaptation.

Highlights of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Trailer:

• Premiere Date: October 14, 2025, on Netflix.

• Voice Cast: Liev Schreiber as Sam Fisher, Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Zinnia McKenna, Janet Varney as Anna Grímsdóttir, and Joel Oulette as Thunder.

• Creative Team: Written by Derek Kolstad (John Wick), directed by Guillaume Dousse and Félicien Colmet-Daage, produced by Ubisoft Film & Television, Sun Creature, and Fost.

• Setting: Takes place after Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, with references to Douglas Shetland’s death.

• Tone and Style: A gritty, modern espionage thriller with influences from Michael Mann, Ghost in the Shell, and Mission: Impossible.

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Trailer In A Nutshell

What Does the Trailer Reveal About the Story?

The teaser opens with a haunting image of night vision goggles sinking underwater, setting a moody tone. A coffin marked “Beloved Father” for Douglas Shetland, a key figure from Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, hints that the series is set between Chaos Theory and Double Agent.

Sam Fisher’s gravelly narration, voiced by Liev Schreiber, emphasizes stealth: “Once you get used to the shadows, you see bad people for who they really are. And they’ll never see you coming.” The trailer showcases brief glimpses of assassins, gunfire, and close-quarters combat, suggesting a high-stakes mission.

The story revolves around Fisher being drawn back into the field by a wounded young operative, likely Zinnia McKenna, a new character voiced by Kirby Howell-Baptiste.

Fans have noted the nod to Shetland’s death, which places the series in a specific timeline, stirring nostalgia for longtime players. The trailer’s cryptic vibe keeps the plot under wraps but promises a personal, intense journey for Fisher.

Why Is Liev Schreiber’s Casting a Big Deal?

Liev Schreiber stepping into Sam Fisher’s boots is a bold move, especially since Michael Ironside, the original voice actor, defined the character for years. Ironside, now 75, has expressed support for Schreiber, citing his age and health as reasons for passing the torch.

Schreiber, known for roles in Ray Donovan and The Sum of All Fears, brings a gritty, commanding presence to Fisher, as heard in the trailer’s narration.

Fans on X have shared mixed feelings, with some praising Schreiber’s gravitas while others miss Ironside’s iconic tone. Posts on X highlight Schreiber’s casting as a highlight, with one user noting, “Hearing his voice gave me goosebumps.”

The addition of Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Janet Varney, and Joel Oulette adds depth to the cast, with Varney’s Anna Grímsdóttir being a familiar face from the games, while McKenna and Thunder are fresh additions, sparking curiosity about their roles.

How Does the Creative Team Elevate the Series?

Derek Kolstad, the mastermind behind John Wick, leads the writing, promising intense action and sharp dialogue. Directors Guillaume Dousse and Félicien Colmet-Daage draw inspiration from cinematic heavyweights like Michael Mann’s Heat and the anime classic Ghost in the Shell, aiming for a visually striking and emotionally resonant series.

The production team, including Ubisoft Film & Television and animation studios Sun Creature and Fost, ensures a polished look that blends the game’s stealth roots with modern animation flair. The trailer’s sleek visuals and moody atmosphere suggest they’re aiming to honor the franchise while pushing it into new territory.

The series is described as a “road trip around Europe” set during a fictional Cop 31 climate conference, tackling themes of hybrid warfare and fake news, reflecting the evolving nature of espionage in 2025.

What’s the Fan Reaction to the Trailer?

The Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Trailer has sparked a wave of excitement across X, with fans thrilled to see Sam Fisher back after over a decade since the last game, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, in 2013. Posts describe the teaser as “moody” and “action-packed,” with some users hyped about the Chaos Theory timeline nod.

However, there’s debate about the shift from Ironside to Schreiber and concerns that the series might lean too heavily into John Wick-style action over stealth. One X post noted, “It looks awesome, but I hope they keep the stealth vibe over run-and-gun.” The trailer’s release at Anime NYC alongside other Netflix projects like Devil May Cry Season 2 has only amplified the buzz.

Can This Series Revive the Splinter Cell Franchise?

With no new Splinter Cell game since 2013 and a remake of the original game still in development, Deathwatch could be the spark the franchise needs. The trailer’s high-energy visuals and star-studded cast suggest Netflix and Ubisoft are betting big on this adaptation.

Fans are hopeful that a successful series could push Ubisoft to accelerate the game remake or even inspire a live-action project, though no such plans have been confirmed. The series’ 16-episode, two-season order shows confidence in its potential to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers.

The trailer’s focus on Fisher’s return and the modern espionage angle could bridge the gap between the classic games and today’s audience, making it a pivotal moment for the franchise.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Trailer delivers a thrilling glimpse into Sam Fisher’s animated comeback, blending nostalgia with a fresh, modern edge.

With Liev Schreiber’s commanding voice, a stellar creative team, and a story rooted in the franchise’s rich history, this series is poised to be a must-watch for fans of stealth, action, and espionage.

Set to drop on October 14, 2025, it’s time to dust off those night vision goggles and prepare for a shadowy adventure.

What secrets will Fisher uncover? Only time will tell, but this trailer has us hooked.