Splinter Cell Anime: Why Michael Ironside Isn't Voicing Sam Fisher

Why Isn't Michael Ironside Voicing Sam Fisher in Netflix’s Splinter Cell Anime?

Many fans are familiar with Sam Fisher - a beloved video game character, most recognized for his appearance in the Splinter Cell franchise. Michael Ironside was the iconic voice actor for this character for close to 20 years - giving Splinter Cell fans a unique and distinctive take on the character and his story. So, with the news of Netflix releasing an animated series, fans have expressed surprise as to why Ironside wasn’t selected. Fans will be seeing Liev Schreiber as Sam Fisher instead.

It seems like Netflix has made a conscious effort to re-cast this iconic figure as a way to modernize the character for a new generation of fans. In the upcoming anime series Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, it will bring this story to the screen for the first time as an Anime - which has been shown to have an increasing presence across a wide array of popular series - from "Castlevania" to “Arcane”.

What Is the Splinter Cell Series About?

Borderlands, Werewolves Within, and Mortal Kombat Image

The Splinter Cell series - first introduced to the gaming world as a video game series created by Tom Clancy (the same mind behind the wildly popular “Ghost Recon” series) as well as several other titles - continues to have a long history in the video gaming universe. Fans of this genre will be aware that it centers around Sam Fisher, who serves as an agent of Third Echelon. Sam has to navigate the world, using advanced technology to remain undercover in some dangerous, world-changing events - with a constant quest to stay a step ahead of those threats. As the series developed those games - fans were given a chance to become immersed in a universe with complex and nuanced storylines.

Fans shouldn't be surprised if there’s an even deeper exploration into Sam Fisher’s back story in Netflix’s Splinter Cell series. It will give audiences the chance to see those moments in his history that have brought about the unique blend of combat abilities, technology, and a determination to protect those who may not have the resources or abilities to do so - which was shown in games like “Tom Clancy Splinter Cell: Blacklist" (known for giving audiences a modern take on this stealth thriller game and bringing about a unique blend of espionage that could draw in new audiences).

Who is Sam Fisher's Original Voice Actor?

Collage of 2023 video game adaptations including Twisted Metal, Five Nights at Freddy's and The Last of Us Image

Michael Ironside, a highly respected, well-regarded actor, has taken on a number of iconic roles in a slew of film, television and, of course, video game series. In his role, as Sam Fisher's Voice Actor in the original Splinter Cell video game he had become synonymous with the character.

Michael Ironside's legacy as the Sam Fisher Voice Actor had extended for a long period - from the early days of this video game series through those titles that continued to grow its popularity such as: "Tom Clancy Splinter Cell: Conviction," as well as other noteworthy releases. However, with Netflix's Splinter Cell, Ironside is now stepping away as the actor has said in a number of interviews how his role as Sam Fisher may be coming to an end, given his age and, even with his skills as an actor - it might not make sense to have an actor continue to voice a character. Even though many fans might have wished for his continued role - it has served as an important transition for Splinter Cell, which is making an ambitious push to attract a wider audience as they are taking their stories to new, more contemporary platforms.

Will There be a Splinter Cell Series on Netflix?

There's a large amount of buzz surrounding Netflix’s Splinter Cell series. Those eager to discover those stories and continue to explore Sam Fisher's journey are now on the edge of their seats as they anticipate an official release. This could be considered one of the greatest expansions of a Video Game Adaptation into the television world.

The production, which has been highly anticipated by fans - particularly given how Splinter Cell is recognized as a major title in the video game world has garnered significant support in addition to creating huge anticipation. Netflix has taken several major, and successful steps, including their recent Anime adaptations that include series such as: "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners," a show based on "Cyberpunk 2077" or “Arcane" which took the world of "League of Legends" and adapted it into an impressive TV series. This could be one of the key, more ambitious adaptations that might further change how viewers see these games and their stories unfold on a more prominent, widely viewed platform, potentially, one that will be watched by millions, and perhaps even garner new recognition from an even greater audience, especially when it comes to those interested in those action and espionage genres that the show is built on.

What Is Splinter Cell: Deathwatch About?

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is an upcoming Splinter Cell animated series. This particular series was revealed as a part of Netflix’s "Geeked Week ‘24", a week of presentations that highlighted several major shows - including series that were based on several Video Game Adaptations - such as "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners." Netflix is clearly investing heavily into the video game space and it may serve as a strategic direction.

It is known as an animated series, one that could introduce new characters. Those eager to see Sam Fisher will likely find that it takes place within the context of the series’ original lore and expands upon it - bringing viewers into a world of espionage that was previously enjoyed through the video game franchise, specifically in “Tom Clancy Splinter Cell: Blacklist”, known for its dark and gritty, story as Sam Fisher works to confront the threats in the world and save a series of targets. There may even be an additional push to bring some of the “Splinter Cell video game” series to television as it is a very plausible future move - to expand an already strong and impressive production.

Is Netflix Remaking Splinter Cell?

Netflix, known for its ambitious ventures, has taken a significant number of steps to expand into video games in recent years, especially with their Video Game adaption to television - most notably with series that include “Arcane,” as well as “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.” However, Netflix is moving beyond video games. With the recent Geeked Week '24 announcement of "Splinter Cell: Deathwatch." Fans have discovered how those original video game adaptations may now come to a new level as Netflix brings those stories to their streaming service.

As one of those highly anticipated Video Game adaptions. Netflix is expected to move forward with those other key releases, a major example - one that was highlighted during “Geeked Week ‘24", and it brought more attention to those original video game adaptations. This production, for Netflix, has served as a milestone in the production cycle for video game adaptations that were previously considered as a risk, as it served as an important shift in their vision of the video game adaptation process and even with its development, audiences should keep an eye on this production to gauge the future for how video games are being incorporated into television, with more releases potentially in the works.

Will Liev Schreiber Be Voicing Sam Fisher for the Entire Splinter Cell Series?

Netflix’s Splinter Cell is poised for a significant release in the world of video game adaptation, even more so as this is a highly anticipated, celebrated franchise - a combination of espionage, stealth-action that has won fans over, especially after the release of the iconic “Splinter Cell” game.

However, it remains to be seen just how much Schreiber’s role will be. Netflix is well known for a consistent string of animated adaptations. One that often emphasizes bringing to their streaming platform shows that are known for using voice actors and giving them a major role. In those instances, these individuals often play multiple characters for extended periods - such as those that are seen with “Netflix Splinter Cell.” It's an option but there's no guarantee as production for the show is currently in its early stages, and there has not been any confirmation from the production studio to confirm those details regarding a cast lineup.