The anticipated Splinter Cell movie, which has been in the works for over a decade, has officially been shelved. Producer Basil Iwanyk shared this news with The Direct, citing challenges in achieving the right balance for the film. “We couldn’t get it right,” he remarked, reflecting on the project’s long and tumultuous journey.
Development Challenges
Initiated in 2012, the film aimed to bring the beloved video game character Sam Fisher to life, with Tom Hardy set to portray the iconic protagonist. Doug Liman, known for his work on Edge of Tomorrow, was chosen to direct the project. However, despite the star power and creative talent involved, progress has been notably sluggish.
“That movie would have been awesome… Just couldn’t get it right, script-wise, budget-wise,” Iwanyk explained. He expressed a sense of loss over the film’s cancellation, noting that numerous iterations had been developed throughout the years. “It was going to be hardcore and awesome. That’s one of the ones that got away, which is really sad,” he added, encapsulating the disappointment felt by many fans and creators alike.
While the live-action adaptation may have met its end, there is a silver lining for Splinter Cell enthusiasts. An anime series is currently in the works at Netflix, promising to deliver a fresh take on the franchise and reignite interest in the world of Sam Fisher.