Although it has yet to release a major, live action feature film, Ubisoft’s fledgling studio continues to attract major talent for its upcoming slate of films. The most recent name you can add to Ubisoft’s list is that of director Doug Liman, who is in negotiations to direct Splinter Cell, according to THR.
Liman is in some ways uniquely qualified to direct the film. The movie follows the character Sam Fisher, a super spy action hero equally capable of fighting on the front lines or sneaking behind them without being seen. The film found its lead a while ago, and the role will be filled by Tom Hardy. Liman’s past credits include directorial duties on The Bourne Identity and executive producer credits on the next two Bourne films, all of which feature a character with some similarities to Fisher.
If the deal goes through, it would further help to legitimize the project, and by extension Ubisoft’s film ambitions. The signing of Hardy, one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood at the moment, was an excellent step, and nabbing Liman – a finalist for the prestigious Palme d’OR award – as a director is encouraging.
Liman is currently working on the Edge of Tomorrow starring Tom Cruise, which is due in theaters on May 30. The report claims that Liman is still negotiating the deal to direct and produce Splinter Cell, but assuming everything works out, it would presumably be his next film. The current plan is to begin production in August, which would fit with Liman’s schedule.The film is expected sometime in 2015.
If the film can make that date, Splinter Cell would potentially join another major Ubisoft property in theaters next year, Assassin’s Creed, which will star and be produced by Michael Fassbender. That film is set for release on August 7, 2015, and will also begin shooting this August.
