Sam Fisher’s Last Stand: “Splinter Cell: Deathwatch” Trailer Reveals Voice Cast and a Gritty New Chapter

For over a decade, fans of the iconic stealth series Splinter Cell have been left in the shadows, waiting for a true return of legendary agent Sam Fisher. While a video game remake is in development, the first official step into a new era for the franchise is a Netflix animated series. At gamescom 2025, Ubisoft, in partnership with Netflix and animation studios Sun Creature and Fost, dropped the official teaser trailer for Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, revealing a new poster and, most importantly, the full voice cast. The trailer, a sleek and stylish blend of 2D animation and high-stakes espionage, promises a series that is as personal as it is thrilling.

The new teaser trailer is a masterclass in mood and atmosphere. It opens with Sam Fisher’s signature green-goggled sonar vision scanning a dark, abandoned hallway. The aesthetic is grittier and more stylized than previous animated projects from Ubisoft, with a cinematic tone that feels heavily influenced by the gritty world of espionage films. The trailer confirms that the series’ head writer is none other than Derek Kolstad, the creator of the John Wick franchise, a fact that is immediately apparent in the trailer’s slick action and sharp dialogue. The series is set to premiere on Netflix on October 14, 2025, and this final reveal of the trailer and cast has solidified its status as a must-watch for fans of both the series and the spy thriller genre.

A Legendary Voice Cast and a New Generation of Agents

The biggest news from the trailer’s reveal is the official voice cast, which promises a high-caliber performance that will bring these characters to life. The casting is a mix of veteran voice actors and acclaimed live-action performers, which is a clear signal of the project’s ambition.

• Liev Schreiber as Sam Fisher: A significant point of discussion has been the recasting of Sam Fisher. While Michael Ironside, the original voice of Sam, has stated that he feels he is too old for the role, the casting of Liev Schreiber is a bold and exciting choice. Schreiber, known for his roles in Ray Donovan and The Perfect Couple, has a gravelly, commanding voice that perfectly suits an older, more weary, but still lethal Sam Fisher.
• Janet Varney as Anna Grimsdottir: A fan-favorite from the games, Anna “Grim” Grímsdóttir is a crucial ally and tech officer for Sam Fisher. Her voice will be provided by the talented Janet Varney, known for her incredible work in animated series like The Legend of Korra. Her casting has been met with universal praise from the fanbase.
• Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Zinnia McKenna: The trailer introduces a new character, Zinnia McKenna, a young, wounded operative who seeks out Sam Fisher for help. She is voiced by Kirby Howell-Baptiste, known for her roles in Barry and The Good Place. Her character is a key part of the show’s plot, as she is the catalyst that pulls the legendary agent back into the field.
• Joel Oulette as Thunder: The trailer also confirms the voice of a new character named Thunder, who is voiced by Joel Oulette from Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. His role in the series is still a mystery, but fans are already speculating about his connection to the show’s main plot.

A Darker, More Personal Story

The official poster, which was released a day before the trailer, depicts a grim and atmospheric setting. It shows Sam Fisher standing in a rainy, dark alley, his iconic three-lensed night vision goggles casting their eerie green glow. The poster is a simple but powerful piece of art that perfectly captures the series’ noir aesthetic. The trailer itself hints at a more personal and emotionally resonant story for Sam. One brief shot shows a tombstone with the name “Douglas Shetland” on it, a clear reference to a character from the games whom Sam was forced to kill. This subtle nod to the game’s lore suggests that the series will not just be about stealth and action, but about the emotional toll that a life of espionage takes on a man like Sam Fisher. The trailer and poster for Splinter Cell: Deathwatch are a clear statement of intent from Ubisoft and Netflix. They are not just creating a show; they are crafting a new chapter for a beloved character, and based on this first look, it’s a chapter that promises to be just as compelling and thrilling as the games themselves.