Splinter Cell: Deathwatch creator reveals the two "guardrails" Ubisoft had for the Netflix series: "Love the character, respect the IP"

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Exclusive: Derek Kolstad compares his time on Splinter Cell to working with Marvel Studios

Sam Fisher in Splinter Cell Deathwatch
(Image credit: Netflix)

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch creator Derek Kolstad has spoken about the "guardrails" put in place by Ubisoft for the Netflix series, while also comparing it to his more restrictive time over at Marvel Studios.

"Whenever you deal with any IP, there's going to be guardrails in place," Kolstad tells GamesRadar+ of his working relationship with Ubisoft. "I did Falcon and The Winter Soldier and that's Disney. You're in a titanium tunnel – it's [still] a joy because you get to play in a sandbox filled with sand and play with their toys."

Perhaps Kolstad's position as creator and showrunner in Splinter Cell: Deathwatch – a story that takes place years after the events of the games with an older Sam Fisher pushed back out of retirement – is in stark contrast to his position as writer on two episodes of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Nevertheless, Kolstad was left impressed by Ubisoft's more hands-off approach as he crept forward with the spy series.

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell
Senior Entertainment Writer

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

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