After reporting that screenwriter Eric Singer (The International) would be adapting the Ubisoft game Splinter Cell for the big screen, word has come out that none other than Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises) is attached to star. Hardy will play special operative Sam Fisher, the character who kicked off the video game franchise that will release its seventh installment next spring. The project is not yet set up at a studio, but Ubisoft has talked to Warner Bros. and Paramount. Moving forward, Ubisoft presumably looks to retain a majority of control over creative development as has become characteristic of the company since its Prince of Persia feature adaptation. Hit the jump for more.Variety reports that Hardy is attached to star in Splinter Cell, the first in the Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell franchise that could possibly kick-start a movie series of its own. This is the second big get for the company, after news that Michael Fassbender (Prometheus) would be starring in their Assassin's Creed adaptation. Here's what Ubisoft Motion Pictures CEO Â Jean-Julien Baronnet had to say of the recent developments:
"Tom Hardy is currently one of the biggest talents in the film industry, and he has a phenomenal ability to take on complex and varied roles with his broad range of acting skills. His involvement in the 'Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell' movie is exciting news for movie and video game fans alike. Meanwhile, Eric Singer is one of the most talented writers of the moment, and ... we're confident he'll bring a fresh approach and create a thrilling story ... while still respecting all the codes and traditions of the franchise that are so important to fans."
Hardy, who is currently filming Mad Max: Fury Road, has been offered a wealth of roles lately. Among them are the Dennis Lehane adaptation, Animal Rescue, Doug Liman's Everest, as well as two anti-poaching projects that Hardy will have a hand in producing.
Check out the trailer for the upcoming game, Splinter Cell: Blacklist below:
