Netflix has launched its highly anticipated animated series, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, on October 14, 2025. The show features Liev Schreiber in the lead role as Sam Fisher, a character renowned in the stealth-action genre. Following its premiere, creator Derek Kolstad has provided insights into the potential for a second season, indicating that its future largely hinges on the success of the first.
In an interview with Animation Scoop, Kolstad, who is also known for his work on the John Wick franchise, emphasized that while the first season of Deathwatch is designed as a self-contained narrative, it lays the groundwork for further development. He drew a parallel to iconic films, stating, “If there was one Die Hard, you’d be happy, right? It’s fully encapsulated, but because of the strength of the character, you got more.” This suggests that while the series may stand alone, its rich character dynamics could encourage further exploration.
Kolstad aims to attract both long-time fans of the Splinter Cell franchise and newcomers alike. “We’re looking at this world going, ‘Let’s make sure it works as a series that no one has ever heard of the IP,’” he remarked. His vision focuses on creating engaging character-driven storytelling, ensuring that viewers are invested in the journeys of Sam Fisher, his partner McKenna, and their team.
The creator also expressed optimism about the direction of a possible second season. “At the end of the season here, I hope we earned our way into more,” Kolstad said, indicating that he has ideas for how the story could evolve. He emphasized the importance of the first season’s performance, noting, “You gotta make sure the first one works.”
The decision on whether Netflix will renew Splinter Cell: Deathwatch for a second season will likely depend on viewership numbers and audience engagement metrics following its debut. Fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see if this new entry into the franchise will resonate well enough to warrant further adventures of Sam Fisher.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, the success or failure of original series like Deathwatch highlights the competitive nature of content creation in the entertainment industry.
