Doug Liman to helm Splinter Cell

Fans are surely rejoicing as the "Splinter Cell" movie which has long been in development, moves along as a director has already been chosen for this film adaptation. Doug Liman, best known for directing the 2002 Bourne Identity movie, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Swingers, has been chosen to helm the film adaptation of the popular video game "Splinter Cell". [hit the jump to continue]

Ubisoft has been working on adapting the game on film, and last year things finally started progressing as screenwriter Eric Singer (The International) was tapped to pen the script, with Tom Hardy attached to play lead in the cast.  Appropriately titled "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell", this game is pretty much one that connotates and reflects the real-world action thrills mixed with the spy and espionage genre, as it is the kind of game in which the players employ stealth and cleverness. "Splinter Cell" follows the activities of NSA Black Ops agent Sam Fisher.

According to reports, Doug Liman is in final negotiations to take the helm of Splinter Cell for Ubisoft and New Regency, with an August production start-date being eyed for a planned 2015 release.  This is a major step forward for a project that has lingered in development hell for years, and at one point had Peter Berg set to direct.  Liman is no stranger to the espionage thriller genre having directed The Bourne Identity and Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but his latest feature is the sci-fi actioner Edge of Tomorrow.  The Tom Cruise-fronted film is drawing considerable interest as its June release date draws nearer, and now Liman looks to be compounding that buzz into a straightforward thriller.

Plot details regarding the Splinter Cell movie are unknown at this point, but the prospect of Hardy and Liman teaming up makes for an interesting combination of talents.  Fans of the video game series itching to see the movie will surely be pleased to know that it’s now on a serious track forward.