The long-in-development Splinter Cell movie now finally has a director.  Ubisoft has been working on a feature film adaptation of the video game series for some time, and last year things finally started progressing as screenwriter Eric Singer (The International) was tapped to pen the script and Tom Hardy became attached to star.  The property is ripe for a movie adaptation, as the video game series follows the adventures of a covert operative named Sam Fisher.  Now Ubisoft and New Regency have found their director to bring the idea to fruition in The Bourne Identity helmer Doug Liman.  Hit the jump for more.

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Image via Ubisoft

Per Heat Vision, 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.