Ubisoft Isn't Done with Splinter Cell? Company Forbade Several Scenes in Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Series, Citing "Other Plans"
Ubisoft strictly controlled the production process of the animated series Splinter Cell: Deathwatch.
Ubisoft limited the creative freedom of the writer and showrunner of the animated series Splinter Cell: Deathwatch. As Derek Kolstad (John Wick), the author of the project, said in an interview with IGN, some scenes did not pass internal review — the publisher forbade their use, citing their own plans.
The plot of Deathwatch unfolds decades after the events of the original games and tells the story of an older Sam Fisher. Despite the fact that Kolstad had access to all canonical materials, he did not have complete freedom in his work: Ubisoft closely monitored the process and rejected some ideas.
"There were times when they said, 'Don't do that.' And I asked why? And they answered: 'We have other plans,'" Kolstad noted. According to him, the publisher still considers Splinter Cell an important intellectual property.
Kolstad also suggested that Deathwatch could become part of the official canon: "I hope so." At the same time, the screenwriter emphasizes that he sees only part of the overall picture, but the main task for the team was to make sure that the story fits into Ubisoft's established idea of what Splinter Cell should be.
All this may indicate Ubisoft's plans to develop the franchise in the future, and not be limited to remakes and remasters. However, 12 years have passed since the release of Splinter Cell: Blacklist, and the company has not yet officially announced new projects.
The premiere of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch will take place on October 14 on Netflix. The story focuses on Sam Fisher's return to operational activities after many years of retirement.
