Tom Hardy tackling film version of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell

Tom Hardy is set to bring popular video game Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell to life on the big screen after he was cast as the lead character.

The Dark Knight Rises star will portray top black ops special agent Sam Fisher in the film adaptation, which will be penned by screenwriter Eric Warren Singer, reports trade paper Variety.

Jean-Julien Baronnet, CEO of Ubisoft Motion Pictures, says, "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."

It's not the only Ubisoft game-turned-film in production - Michael Fassbender has landed the title character in an upcoming movie version of Assassin's Creed.