I remember playing the original as a kid, as a PS2 game. It was hard, and stealth really was the key to the whole thing. Not that that was a bad thing, but it didn’t make it easier. For years and years people have been knocking this game around, trying to get it off the ground and into the clouds of video game adaptation. But it seems, Deadline has once again given us something to salivate over.
Splinter Cell, an original idea by Tom Clancy for the PlayStation platform by Ubisoft, has spawned 6 games with future installments on the way, 6 novels, multiple fan-fictions, and now finally a damn bidding war between Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures; who evidently get what they want. In the game, you control Sam Fisher, a covert Black Ops agent who gets hurled around the world on deadly mission that require the utmost in skillset and moxie. You command Fisher, part of the fictional NSA Sub-Division “Third Echelon” with his highlighter green iconic trifocal goggles.
Paramount is appearing as the frontrunner of the battle to get the rights, and either way, Ubisoft plans to “be very involved and retain control over how the game is translated into a film.” Atta boy! Oversee the challenges as to not screw the pooch on this video game translation is a smart move. With a potentially enormous franchise in their hands, a built-in fan base and likeable concept, I would advise to stay very close to the games, tone, atmosphere and stories and characters. With fun, dark properties for kids to adults it can certainly go from this — to this.
Tentative release date of 2013 is what I’m hearing it’s aiming for, but without a director, screenwriter, or even lead cast 6 months into the year? Ooof, rushing that production boy. Big mistake.
