Fans worry how Netflix might ruin Splinter Cell: Deathwatch as official trailer releases

Netflix has released the official trailer for Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, its upcoming adult animated espionage series based on Ubisoft’s long-running video game franchise. The show, written by Derek Kolstad and starring Liev Schreiber as Sam Fisher, is set to premiere globally on October 14, 2025.

While the project has been in development for several years, the first full look at the animation and character designs has sparked intense debate online. Fans of the original games, which emphasized stealth and atmosphere, are divided. Some see the adaptation as a chance to revive the franchise, while others fear Netflix may compromise its identity. As a user commented:

“The character design of all characters is bad. Could have been a lot better but nope, it has been ‘Netflix-ified’ given the theme these days for ‘modern audiences’. I’ll watch it but deep down you all agree with me.”

This reaction reflects worry about modernized designs. It portrays Netflix’s influence as a negative force, suggesting the series has been altered to fit broad audience trends rather than remain authentic. The viewer implies reluctant commitment, expressing that despite intending to watch, they already anticipate disappointment rooted in stylistic compromises. Another user wrote:

"The moment I saw "John Wick" I knew it was gonna be a total f*cking dogsh*t adaptation of Splinter Cell. I bet Ironside turned it down because he read the script.”

A user noted:

“The art style is sooooooo bad… The classic Netflix wannabe anime artstyle.”

Both comments support the earlier criticism. They point out fears that the series leans toward exaggerated action instead of stealth and that the chosen animation style fails to capture the grounded atmosphere of the games. Together, these reactions echo concerns that core identity is being abandoned for surface-level presentation.

But some fans have a different opinion. One wrote:

“I’m not a gun expert but it seems that they kept the original Five-Seven for the Splinter Cell agents, that’s a nice touch for the fans.”

Another fan noted:

“Imma be fr I’m not a fan of the art style, but I’m exciteddd.”

A user mentioned:

“I'm cautiously excited for this tbh. Sam looks good, Anna is... different to say the least and the new spy woman looks generic. I wish they'd get more creative with the character looks, you know, make them stand out more. I’m kinda hoping they bring back Briggs in this.”

These voices oppose the criticism by focusing on the positives. One notices authentic weapon details, another admits visual flaws but still anticipates watching, while the last remains open-minded about Sam Fisher’s portrayal. Together, they illustrate that some fans remain hopeful, seeing potential for faithful touches and returning characters despite broader complaints.

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Breaking down Netflix’s take on Splinter Cell: Deathwatch

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is an adult animated espionage series produced by Ubisoft Film & Television in partnership with Sun Creature Studio and Fost. It will premiere on Netflix on October 14, 2025. Derek Kolstad, known for John Wick and Nobody, serves as lead writer and executive producer. Guillaume Dousse directs with Félicien Colmet-Daâge as co-director, while Ubisoft executives Hélène Juguet, Hugo Revon, and Gérard Guillemot are also credited as producers.

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch stars Liev Schreiber as Sam Fisher, a veteran operative of Fourth Echelon. Unlike the younger Fisher from the games, this version is an older man living in rural Eastern Europe before being pulled back into the field. Kolstad described him as “Old Man Sam,” a character shaped by decades of covert operations.

Michael Ironside, who voiced Fisher in the games, confirmed he was too old to reprise the role, leading to Schreiber’s casting. Kolstad cited Schreiber’s role as John Clark in The Sum of All Fears as inspiration for the choice. Supporting cast of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch includes Janet Varney as Anna “Grim” Grímsdóttir, Fisher’s longtime technical operations partner; Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Zinnia McKenna, a young agent on the run after a mission goes wrong; and Joel Oulette as Thunder, another Fourth Echelon operative.

The new trailer of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch also revealed Diana Shetland, head of green tech company Xanadu and daughter of Douglas Shetland, a character from Chaos Theory. Diana and her brother Charlie now control Displace International, setting the stage for a corporate conspiracy that drives the plot.

Kolstad explained that the series uses the games and tie-in novels as Fisher’s “resume” but tells an original story. He admitted that Ubisoft restricted certain elements to preserve plans for future projects, but emphasized that the show fits within the established mold. Flashbacks will revisit Fisher’s friendship and fallout with Douglas Shetland, tying past events to the present-day conflict.

Thematically, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch explores aging operatives in a world where digital warfare increasingly overshadows human intelligence. Kolstad compared the concept to Unforgiven and 1970s thrillers, describing it as a “one last job” story.

Fourth Echelon itself faces obsolescence, raising questions about whether traditional fieldwork still matters. This backdrop positions Fisher not only against enemies but also against time and changing technology.

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