In a notable addition to the Splinter Cell franchise, the animated series Deathwatch has been released on Netflix, marking the first new entry in over a decade. Writer Derek Kolstad, known for the John Wick series, approached this project with the intent of continuing the narrative where the last video game left off. The series begins with the protagonist, Sam Fisher, now voiced by Liev Schreiber, living a quiet retirement on a farm until he is drawn back into action when he encounters an injured young agent named Zinnia, voiced by Kirby Howell-Baptiste.
Kolstad explained that Ubisoft provided him with considerable creative freedom for the narrative. He stated, “Maybe it’s because there hasn’t been a Splinter Cell game in quite some time, they just kind of let me go with it.” He aimed to introduce Fisher in a way that is accessible to newcomers while maintaining the essence of the beloved character.
This series represents Kolstad’s first venture into animation, which involved a different process than live-action production. He expressed some uncertainty about the animation process but emphasized trust in the creative team. Kolstad noted the advantage of animation in terms of action sequences, mentioning that the constraints typically present in live-action filmmaking, such as budget and safety concerns, are less intimidating here.
Despite the series featuring intense action sequences and high-stakes scenarios, Kolstad indicated a preference for more intimate moments that align with Fisher’s character. He acknowledged that while obvious stylistic similarities might exist between Deathwatch and John Wick, particularly in establishing a character seeking peace before conflict arises, he highlighted that Deathwatch features a notable difference: “This dog survives.”
Source: https://www.theverge.com/streaming/799066/splinter-cell-deathwatch-netflix-derek-kolstad-interview