Rumor: Voice of Splinter Cell axed due to ego and cash demands

by Dustin Burg { Jun 17th 2008 at 1:00PM }

In an update to their insider report about good old Michael Ironside being axed by Ubisoft as the voice actor of Sam Fisher for the upcoming Splinter Cell: Conviction, Sarcastic Gamer is reporting on the supposed reason for Ubisoft's axing ways.

According to Sarcastic Gamer's internal Conviction source, Ironside was let go because "he was getting to way too egotistical about the project and [was] extremely difficult to work with." The insider also mentioned that the other reason for the bad blood was because Ironside "was also asking for a sh*t load of money." Again, we aren't certain if these reasons are why Ironside was let go or even if Ironside has indeed been axed from Conviction seeing that Ubi hasn't said a word regarding the rumor. Lesson learned though, don't have a huge ego, don't demand lots of money and be a "yes man" and you'll get far in the voice acting business.

Tags: ironside, splinter-cell, splinter-cell-conviction, ubisoft

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ben @ Jun 17th 2008 1:08PM

I am hoping that this is not true

ConfederateRokr @ Jun 17th 2008 1:18PM

well who the hell is going to play sam then? when i read the SC books THATS the voice i think of

Psycho300x @ Jun 17th 2008 1:32PM

Let him go...
Yes it will suck to play as a sam fisher without THE kick ass voice, but if hes demanding too much money that if Ubi paid him it would likely cut on production quality of the actual game, which I care more about than the voice of the main character...

offday @ Jun 17th 2008 1:53PM

Agreed. If he's going to be a douche, let him go. I can still enjoy the game without his voice. If you've followed through all the Splinter Cells, then considering Sam's situation, he probably doesn't have much to say, or feel like talking. Use that.

Xav de Matos @ Jun 17th 2008 2:09PM

If actors think they should get a large cut for the success of games when teams spend 3-6 years developing some titles they have another thing coming.

I'd rather hear the Mail Guy at Ubisoft do a voice than any douche who wants a bigger cut for yelling into a mic.

Trekster_Gamer @ Jun 17th 2008 2:20PM

Agreed. It is not like the voice can't easily be replaced.
If it is true then it sounds like a typical actor

Sentox6 @ Jun 17th 2008 6:35PM

I agree up to a point. Certainly, for a game like Splinter Cell, voice acting is hardly the most vital component.

For a game like Mass Effect, where it's pretty much all about talking, it's a little different, though. If ME2 came along and my female Shephard was no longer voiced by Jennifer Hale, I'd be a sad person.

baby sea tuna @ Jun 17th 2008 1:44PM

Eh, I got used to the new Lambert, I'm sure I can get used to another Fisher.

Sucks, cause I always thought that Ironside would be a cool guy in real life...

Dick @ Jun 17th 2008 2:47PM

What made you think that? The way he slinks around in the dark, killing people and basically doing whatever he wants, all for a corrupt government?

LOL

AoE @ Jun 17th 2008 3:54PM

wait, what new Lambert? Don Jordan wasn't around for 1 game only where Dennis Haysbert filled in for him.. but he played Lambert in 1,2, and 4. Really, we're back to original Lambert after a special guest-star.

Gemini Ace @ Jun 17th 2008 1:45PM

Well, at least he was asking for some cash unlike that GTAIV douchebag on youtube.

Deezul @ Jun 17th 2008 2:27PM

That video is fake, or that's is own fault for taking the job. Do you really think the voice actors had no idea that GTA IV would be a success? Please.

And for anyone who says the voice doesn't matter? Think in your head that the Sesame Street muppets are the voices. Master Chief doesn't say much, but if ELMO was the voice, you wouldn't care?

Pancake Ninja @ Jun 17th 2008 10:23PM

You see. I'm sure it's fully acceptable to "REQUEST" said amount of money and debate over it. But demanding, that's pushing it.

I'll be disappointed if he doesn't do the voice of Sam, but I'll live I'm sure.

dsr7997 @ Jun 17th 2008 2:05PM

You know, if I was having to stand around for three years for the game to be completed I would probably be a little irritable and want more money as well.

AoE @ Jun 17th 2008 3:55PM

I'm sure he got paid within the month of the recording work; video game voice actors don't get royalties (no one working in games really gets them period).

Maverick Saturn @ Jun 17th 2008 2:08PM

Ego = Cut

If he thinks they rely on him now, he can take a hike

Intangible 360 @ Jun 17th 2008 2:37PM

IF this is completely accurate and not spin from Ubisoft then I support the decision.

andyg8180 @ Jun 17th 2008 3:16PM

wow... Sarcastic Gamer called it right...

http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/2008/06/scuttlebutt-ironside-replaced-as-sam-fisher-in-splinter-cell.html

Good job fellas!!

dangcucu @ Jun 17th 2008 3:45PM

rumor or not... i'm used to his voice in that game. just like the Tom Clancy's name brand on their products. Ubisoft did the name brand thing on purpose from the getgo for exposure & now they are BIG & egocentric. i'm sure if he was an @ss, he wasn't the only @ss. Especially, a corporation (group of ppl) versus one guy. I'm sure the hostility went both way.