Doug Liman is busy doing press for his newest film, Edge of Tomorrow, which hits theaters on Friday and is already receiving early buzz and positive reviews. However, that excitement hasn’t stopped him from being asked about his next high-profile project: the long-awaited Splinter Cell adaptation starring Tom Hardy.
For those unfamiliar with the propery, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell video game series focuses on a black-ops agent named Sam Fisher, who works for the fictional NSA group Third Echelon and relies heavily on stealth to accomplish his missions.
Liman recently spoke with IGN about the film, which is expected to arrive in 2015. He dropped some tantalizing details about his approach, as well as how he plans to handle a younger Sam Fisher (who was voiced by Michael Ironside in most of the games, who is much older than Hardy).
“I’m working on the script with Tom Hardy. I think we have a great take on how to make an awesome film out of that.”
“Everything about Splinter Cell will be younger. It’s a chance to come up with a new franchise that is fresher and newer and younger, and Tom Hardy is such an incredible actor.”
As far as whether or not Fisher’s iconic multi-vision goggles will come into play, Liman said:
“Some of the tropes of the game will for sure be in the film, but also the fun of that is when you lose them. To strip that stuff away and really make the character have to operate without it. “
That sounds a lot like the 2010 game, Splinter Cell: Conviction, which featured Sam Fisher on the run when corruption within Third Echelon came to light. Though Fisher’s older age played heavily into the events of that story, some elements could easily be mined and adapted for the film.
Of course, that’s just speculation, and I’m sure Liman and Hardy will take a look at the entire seven-game franchise, as well as the seven tie-in novels, to find an exciting way to bring the beloved series to life (especially if it utilizes some of the more fun elements that made Edge of Tomorrow so enjoyable).
Tell us, what do you think of what Liman had to say about Splinter Cell? Do you think the adaptation is in good hands? Sound off in the comment section!