This excerpt is from an interview with Derek Kolstad, the writer behind John Wick and Nobody, discussing his work on the new Splinter Cell animated series (Netflix). Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* Liev Schreiber as Sam Fisher: Kolstad is a huge fan of Liev Schreiber’s portrayal of Sam Fisher. He particularly loves a small, specific detail – Fisher wiping his lips with his metal hand. He met Schreiber through their shared work on Nobody. Kolstad describes schreiber’s Fisher as possessing a grounded stability and a strong moral compass, even while acknowledging he still has things to learn.
* Character Archetypes: Kolstad draws parallels between Fisher and other action heroes like John Wick, Hutch (from Nobody), Rambo, and John McClane. He notes these characters aren’t perfect, but are driven by will and empathy. He believes Schreiber embodies this quality in his portrayal of Fisher.
* Embracing the Challenge: Despite having no prior experience with animation or the Tom Clancy universe, Kolstad felt no hesitation taking on Splinter Cell. He saw it as an exciting challenge.
* McKenna’s Role: The new character, McKenna, is presented as a younger version of Sam Fisher, at a pivotal point in her career. Fisher acts as a mentor, observing her choices and guiding her without being overly directive.He encourages her to acknowledge and manage her emotions, recognizing their importance but also the danger they pose. He sees her as a kind of “adoptive uncle” figure.
* Fisher’s Mentorship: Sam Fisher isn’t about controlling McKenna, but about letting her find her own path, while offering guidance based on his own experiences. He values her skills but emphasizes the need to control emotions in a risky profession.
In essence, the interview highlights Kolstad’s enthusiasm for the Splinter Cell franchise, his admiration for Liev Schreiber’s performance, and the captivating dynamic he’s created between Sam Fisher and the new character, McKenna.He emphasizes the importance of relatable, flawed characters even within the action genre.
