For nearly a decade, fans of Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell have been waiting for Sam Fisher’s long-overdue return. Ubisoft’s stealth-action classic, which once defined an entire genre of espionage gaming, has been absent from the gaming spotlight since 2013’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist. Now, in 2025, the franchise is making a powerful comeback—not just through a modern remake of the original game, but also in the form of a Netflix anime series that aims to reintroduce Sam Fisher to a new generation.
The Splinter Cell Remake: Reimagining a Classic
Ubisoft Toronto is leading development of the Splinter Cell Remake, which is being rebuilt from the ground up using the studio’s advanced Snowdrop Engine, the same technology powering visually ambitious titles like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
According to industry reports, the remake is still in active development and is unlikely to launch before 2026. Ubisoft has been careful not to rush the project, stressing that the goal is to “preserve the spirit of the original” while modernizing gameplay mechanics, stealth systems, and visuals for today’s hardware.
The remake could make an appearance at Gamescom 2025, potentially giving fans their first real look at the project. However, Ubisoft has not confirmed this, leaving fans with speculation and anticipation.
For longtime fans, the most pressing question remains: who will voice Sam Fisher this time? Michael Ironside, whose gravelly delivery became inseparable from the character, has openly acknowledged that age prevents him from reprising the role. Ubisoft has not yet announced a replacement, fueling debates across fan communities about who could step into Fisher’s iconic night-vision goggles.
Netflix’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch – A New Chapter
While the game remake may be years away, the Splinter Cell universe will return much sooner through Netflix. The streaming platform has announced Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, an animated series scheduled for release in late 2025.
The show is being produced by Ubisoft Film & Television and written by Derek Kolstad, best known for creating the John Wick franchise. This creative pairing has raised expectations for an action-packed yet story-driven adaptation.
One of the biggest headlines is that Liev Schreiber will voice Sam Fisher. Though Michael Ironside declined to return, citing his age, Schreiber’s casting signals a fresh but serious take on the legendary operative. Fans can expect a darker, psychologically layered portrayal of Fisher—one that may resonate with both newcomers and veterans of the franchise.
Bridging the Gap: The Story of Deathwatch
Unlike most adaptations that simply retell familiar plots, Deathwatch dives into an unexplored moment in Sam Fisher’s career. The series takes place between the events of Chaos Theory (2005) and Double Agent (2006).
The story will focus on Fisher grappling with the emotional fallout of killing Douglas Shetland, a longtime friend who turned adversary in Chaos Theory. This decision deeply shaped Fisher’s arc in later games, and the series aims to unpack the psychological cost of such choices.
By exploring Fisher’s moral struggles, Deathwatch positions itself not just as an action thriller but also as a character study. This creative decision allows the show to stand apart from the games while still grounding itself in their world.
Why Fans Should Pay Attention
The dual revival of Splinter Cell—with both a AAA game remake and a Netflix anime series—signals that Ubisoft sees long-term potential in bringing back one of its most beloved franchises.
- The remake offers nostalgia and modern gameplay, aiming to satisfy players who grew up with the series while attracting a younger audience.
- The anime series provides accessible storytelling, broadening the fanbase through a different medium.
Together, these projects could re-establish Splinter Cell as a major name in stealth and espionage entertainment.
The wait may still be long, but fans can finally see the horizon. With Deathwatch slated for late 2025 and the Splinter Cell Remake expected in 2026, Sam Fisher is preparing to return in force.
Whether it’s through the flicker of Netflix animation or the tense shadows of a fully reimagined video game, one thing is certain: the world of stealth gaming is about to feel Sam Fisher’s presence once again.
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