‘Uncharted’: Take a peek at your movie versions of Nathan Drake and Sully
First released in 2007, Uncharted is an insanely popular video game series that’s set to hit the big screen! It’s been quite a journey for this story to finally become a movie after years of setbacks. However, after the long-awaited reveal, many fans aren’t sure how to feel about the casting choices.
The movie versions of the iconic characters Nathan Drake and Sully are quite a bit different from the cherished video game versions. Let’s take a look at what we know so far about the upcoming Uncharted movie and what difference to expect from the legendary video game series!
The cast of Uncharted
An image has been released of Mark Wahlberg and Tom Holland as the lead characters, Nathan Drake and Sully, seemingly lurking in a dimly lit church. No additional images of the rest of the cast have been revealed yet. However, we know the adventurous treasure hunter Chloe Frazer will be played by Sophia Ali, also known as Dr. Qadri in Grey’s Anatomy. Antonio Banderas is also cast, but his character has yet to be named.
The Uncharted movie is directed by Ruben Fleischer, also known as the director of Zombieland & Venom. The film was originally going to be directed by David O’ Russell and starring Mark Wahlberg, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci. The film was first set to release in 2016, but after numerous setbacks, the release has been delayed to 2022. During the project’s long delay, the director and two actors dropped out of the project.
Although fans would have preferred to see Wahlberg as Drake and De Niro as Sully, due to the actors’ departure, it seems like they’re deciding to take the story a different route. The film will be acting as a prequel to the original Uncharted video game story of Nathan Drake. Perhaps that’s why young Tom Holland was strangely cast to play the rugged, manly, and intricately wrinkled main character.
Chris Pratt was also offered the role of Nathan Drake but declined. Many actors were in talks to star as the father-figure/mentor character of Sully including Bryan Cranston, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Pine, Chris Hemsworth, Matthew McConaughey, and Woody Harrelson. The role ended up going to the original Nathan Drake actor, Mark Wahlberg.
Fans react to the differences between the movie and video game
The mustache. The mustache (or lack thereof) has caused both grief & outrage from the video game’s cult following. In the Uncharted video game series, Sully sports an iconic mustache which works as part of his beloved character. We don’t even want to show some of the scathing tweets which were a response to the film’s first image release. Maybe Wahlberg will grow a mustache by the end of the movie?
Besides the mustache, many fans are also apprehensive of the casting of Tom Holland. No disrespect to Tom Holland, but the difference between him and Nathan Drake is pretty obvious. Plenty are uncertain if someone who can perfectly play the nerdy yet loveable Spiderman can also effectively become the dirt-covered and buff adventurer Nathan Drake.
The Uncharted movie seems to be taking the original story in a different perspective and we all hope that they can stay true to the video game while also exploring the past of Drake and Sully. With Sony spending $120 million on the upcoming film, they have all the means necessary to do the franchise right!
PlayStation Studio’s head of product, Asad Qizilbash, was asked in an interview if risking the movie becoming a flop would affect the video game franchise’s sales. Although he was aware of the potential downfall he replied, “It’s risky. But I think we can do it.”
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PlayStation has been working on numerous video game adaptations including movies based on The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, and even a Twisted Metal television series.
What do you think of the new image of Nathan Drake and Sully? Will the Uncharted movie be a hit or a downright flop? Let us know in the comments below!
