If there’s one thing Hollywood isn’t short on, it’s acquired video game properties. Multiple hit titles are under certain studios’ controls, and those who eventually make it to theaters normally are met with overwhelming negative reviews. But, if there’s one genre that certainly isn’t dead at the movies, it happens to be spy thrillers. From Bourne to Mission: Impossible, audiences love a good spy film if the material can be done properly. But, can both spies and video games mix into one movie? It seems that’s what publisher and developer Ubisoft wants to accomplish as they’re currently looking to bring one of their most famous characters to life.
Deadline reports that Ubisoft has met with Warner Brothers and is currently meeting with Paramount Pictures to possibly bring their Splinter Cell series to theaters. Paramount is currently the frontrunner to achieve the rights, but the studio has said that as of right now there is no deal in place.
This wouldn’t be Ubisoft’s first film negotiation, as they also were in talks to bring Assassin’s Creed to life in 3D with Sony Pictures. Much like AC, Ubisoft wants to retain creative control in order to properly shepherd their franchise in a way that remains faithful to the source. Ubisoft has been very clear about this leading role before after not getting as much input in Prince of Persia, which while a box office success is still seen by most as a failure.
However, there’s no exact guarantee that the film will be made. Like most video game properties these days, Hollywood nabs them up to possibly be made has so far never happened to plenty of franchises. Uncharted, Bioshock, Halo, Dead Island,Gears of War, and countless other bestsellers have certainly tried but have never succeeded so far, while other failures include Doom, Max Payne, BloodRayne, and other assorted franchises. There are the rare ones though, such as the successful Tomb Raider films (which are currently in reboot mode) and the lengthy Resident Evil franchise, though the track record seems to speak for itself.
But the interesting thing here is that while many franchises have certainly been in limbo, this one actually has a solid shot of making it to theaters in the next few years. Unlike most of the games listed, Splinter Cell is your typical type of spy thriller that you can find really in any big budget film of the same kind. There are no special aliens, chainsaw assault rifles, or underwater city. It’s simply gaming icon Sam Fisher being a covert spy operative, which certainly is not unheard of in film, and if it were to be a take on the first game it would involve certainly something different as a tech attack on the U.S. along with secret spy division Third Echelon.
In this situation, Paramount is best known for their Tomb Raiderfilms that kicked off nearly a decade ago, and their ability to handle another gaming franchise could in fact spell out not only multiple sequels for the studio but also success that they’ve certainly brought before. While Paramount might be hesitant to bring yet another spy film under its wings, it could certainly be a smart investment that the 100 year giant does right.
What do you think of a possible Splinter Cell film?
