Nathan Fillion’s One Condition For Playing Drake in ‘Uncharted’ Movie
Jul 24, 2011 by Ben KendrickAt Comic-Con 2011 Nathan Fillion revealed that he wants to use the powers of ‘Inception’ to get the role of Nathan Drake in Sony’s ‘Uncharted’ movie.
Uncharted, one of Sony’s biggest video game-turned potential movie adaptations, has endured a rough year. Back in October, Academy Award-nominated director David O. Russell was signed as the Uncharted helmer. One month later, Russell began talking-up his now controversial “family dynamic” angle and brought-on Mark Wahlberg to star as fan-favorite adventurer, Nathan Drake.
However, through all the ups and downs that led to the eventual exit of the director (and subsequently Wahlberg as well), one thing remained constant – many fans were still holding-out hope that Castle star, Nathan Fillion, would get a crack at playing Drake on the big screen. Unsurprisingly, Fillion is still very interested in the role – but on one very respectable condition.
At Comic-Con 2011, we got a chance to catch-up with Fillion about the recently vacated starring role (and director’s chair) for the Uncharted movie, and while the actor was forthcoming about his interest in the part, he made it clear that he didn’t want to step on newly-signed director Neil Burger‘s shoes – but also wasn’t above trying “Inception” if it’d help his chances:
“I am certainly still interested in playing Nathan Drake. I think every actor I know wants their action-adventure hero, their Indiana Jones. That would be a good one for me, I think. What I don’t want is people pressuring that poor man [director Neil Burger] and souring him on the actual idea. If we could somehow just… do you remember the movie Inception? I think that’s what we need to do. We need to let him land on the idea on his own.”
Fillion’s respectful petition for the part is no doubt in response to the growing mass of Uncharted fans who have pushed the boundary between a passionate appeal and flat-out harassing ex-director Russell for casting anyone but their top choice. While Russell’s approach to the film and casting differed dramatically from the source material – and would be, many argued, Uncharted in name alone – fans were especially harsh in their reaction to the director’s attempt at bringing the franchise to the big screen.
It’s great to see that Fillion, who no doubts wants to headline his own “action-adventure hero film,” is interested in seeing the best Uncharted film that Neil Burger can make – even if it means that he misses out on the opportunity to play Nathan Drake. It’s hard to imagine Burger will experiment with as many liberties as Russell, especially considering Sony was reportedly against the “family dynamic” idea, and as a result, it’s unlikely that they’d have signed-off on an Uncharted film that was so disconnected from the game. Regardless, the Castle star’s approach to the situation is good food-for-thought for any fans who will be crestfallen if Burger also passes on Fillion.
That said, it probably wouldn’t hurt for an exceptionally dedicated (and brainy) fan to get to work on an Inception-like dream machine – Nathan Fillion (and plenty of fans) would undoubtedly be grateful.
Follow me on Twitter @benkendrick and let us know who you’d like to see play Nathan Drake in Uncharted.
We’ll keep you up to date with further casting details as pre-production on the Uncharted film gets underway.
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First, I think Nolan North would be awesome, although I agree that he probably won’t pull off the look of Drake. Some very creative makeup techniques would need to be used.
I think Nathan Fillion is an excellent choice for the role, despite his age. After seeing his performance on the series “Firefly”, I think he makes a perfect Nathan Drake. He’s got the right “personality”. Besides, I’ve seen guys that are 50 years old that could pass for someone in their 30′s. Add in some “Hollywood Magic” and I don’t think it’ll be tough for Nathan Fillion to pull it off. At the very least, bring back the Firefly series
The only other actor that I think could fill Drake’s shoes would be Bradley Cooper. I think he also has that Drake-like personality.
(By the way, did I mention bringing back Firefly?)
George Clooney or Robert De Niro as Sully
Bradley Cooper could do a great job with the character, but I don’t think I can imagine him fitting the physicality of the character. Just the idea seems, off.
Josh Duhamel should be Nathan Drake.
What about David Boreanaz. He looks like Drake, more than most other do.
Fillion looks too much older, he looks like an oder version of Drake.
David Boreanaz or Fillion should play Drake, though I think if Nathan Fillion does play Nathan Drake too many people would be making comparisons between his roles as captain Reynolds and his role as Drake.
I hadn’t thought of David Boreanaz as Uncharted casting material. But l think maybe Agent Booth may be, a bit too similar to Drake. I mean, David Boreanaz would rock as a Nathan Drake, he’s got the look, already has a character that seems like your all-american action adventure hero. I think Bones isn’t as action packed as your average Uncharted plot, so that may call out his attention. Boreanaz displays a great deal of light humor in Bones, and would be very appealing for a casting director, if you want to do a PG-13 movie.
Well sorry I’m sort of a Bones fan, I’m also an Uncharted Fan. I just never made a link between Boreanaz and Uncharted. But Boreanaz does the jokes and light humor needed to pull off that role, and make a real blockbuster, it makes him the obvious choice. (Boreanaz does mostly tv, so who knows) [and I do think Boreanaz is bit too old for playing Drake, I mean, If they filmed it right away it could work (he's hot), but if they ever wanted to do a sequel (which is unlikely due to the videogame-hollywood curse) he's 42, so, it would be tricky]
EDDIE CIBRIAN
Warren Christie could be Nathan Drake. http://www.artistsondemandblog.com/2010/05/warren-christie.html
Forget about Drake for a while who shouuld play the Cigar smoking mentor “Clooney”…….”De Niro”
Matt Bomer would be a great Nathan Drake!
Check it out http://i42.tinypic.com/20f7140.jpg
I come here again to remind you people about the age of Nathan Drake. I posted earlier that the creater of Nathan Drake stated that Drake is in his mid-thirties. Now, those of you that haven’t played the new game “Drake’s Deception”, the story confirms this. In fact, he is probably about 36 or 37. If you don’t believe me, play the game and pay attention to the story.
Do you think that the Uncharted series should come to an end because Nathan Drake is getting “too old”? What about Sully? He follows Drake around on many missions. Sure, he often says, “I’m getting too old for this ****!”, but he manages anyway. And don’t forget, Sully is probably about 20 years older than Drake, if not more.
So, here is my point… 40 is NOT too old. Fillion is NOT too old. I’m NOT too old. Drake is NOT that young. If you have an objection to a certain actor playing the role of Drake, you are entitled to your opinion. Just stop inventing nonsensical reasons as to why that actor shouldn’t. Give us a good factual reason to your opinion, or keep your opinion to yourself.
Say Nathan Fillion is too old to play as Nathan Drake one more time…
Nathan Fillion is too old to play Drake.
I was an extra on the set of Castle and actually had the opportunity to meet Nathan. I think he’d be great for the part if he did some SERIOUS working out. They’ve been hiding it with the right clothes and stuff but the man is getting pudgy. If he lost about 20 lbs and toned up I’m sure he’d look younger and more like Drake.
Warren Christie MUST play Nathan Drake. I mean, he is absolutely PERFECT for the role. He looks identical to him! If you look up pictures of Warren Christie in the movie “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” he has the same hair and facial hair and EVERYTHING!!!! Everyone needs to spread the word because this HAS TO HAPPEN haha
I liked the idea of Zane from Eureka as Drake.
Picture: http://images.wikia.com/eureka/images/0/0e/Eureka-Niall-Matter_Season_4_pose.jpg
Sully could be Bruce Campbell or Harrison Ford.
Picture Bruce: http://e2de.com/data_images/bruce-campbell/bruce-campbell-01.jpg
Picture Harrison: http://images.askmen.com/celebs/men/entertainment/30_harrison_fordlarge_image-1.jpg
Elena should be played by…Emily Rose Maier(The Voice)
Picture: http://www1.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/8th+Annual+Discovery+Award+Dinner+23-NqGFmwcXl.jpg
Comments??
i think the two guys from burn notice (jeffrey donovan and bruce campbell) should be in the uncharted movie. they already have that kind of drake and sully chemistry
once again, another movie FLOP. i wonder if the director has even played the game, no least experienced what its about, got to known the characters an their point of view and why they are there? i just wish there was one geek director which took on an directed all video game films that actually, would make sense! look at DBZ evolution, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Super Mario BROS…all crap.
anyway, my submission for nathan drake would be dis guy, but hey, they’ll never choose him so its pointless.
GERALD BUTLER
This is sooooooo much better than Wahlberg, when I heard he was chosen to play Drake, I died a little inside |-[ Fillion is definately a better choice and I can live with it, although Drake’s personality has always rather struck me as Ryan Reynolds, he even has the right kind of face and age for Nathan Drake and in my opinion should play him :3
When I heard walburg was cast I called my friend Sully and expressed Rage beyond belief… (oh crap)
Thank the maker THAT fell through!!!!!
Not only does Fillion LOOK like Drake, ACT like Drake… he dam well SOUNDS like Drake. For the love of all that is Holy! CAST NATHAN FILLION ! !
MADRE de Dios!
Fillion is a perfect match. I wasnt surprised in the least to read his name being considered for the role since it seems as though the games creators were channeling him when they made the character. In my opinion its an obvious choice. As for age, it would make less sense to cast a 20 something as a seasoned collector of historical artifacts.
Dylan McDermott
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001518/
I much prefer him over Fillion. He looks and sounds almost identical to Nate.
I would not watch the movie unless Bruce Campbell played Sully.
Gerald butler should play as Drake
how do they keep misspelling “firefly star” it’s not that difficult
Defo needs to be Gerard Butler. He does similar roles and looks freakily like Drake!
http://www.gameinfect.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/EF1D2C80F6BA41EDF304AE39321A0.jpg
Emily Rose from Haven is Elena Fisher.
Just watch a part of it.
And for those that don’t know, Emily Rose plays the voice of Elena Fisher. But if you see her act, such as in Haven, they have to recast her back in that role for a movie.
John Ratzenberger for Sully. He may be a little old, but its ridiculous how close he sounds like Sully.
no way. the guy from BONES, DAVID BOREANAZ, would be the PERFECT nathan drake. he is cocky, he looks just like him, and he is just him. guys, look him up.
it’s not that i don’t enjoy fans having a say in that matter, but nowadays, hollywood has way more control over it. and personally i keep trending Jensen Ackles from Supernatural to be Nathan Drake. that or Chris Evans. and Bruce Campbell makes a great Sully.
Crazy idea what if we get Nolan North the guy who does Drakes voice to do the lead role he looks like Drake and same with Sully Richard McGonagle it might work and set a new precedent???
Jensen Ackles has my vote. Nathan Fillion doesn’t have close to the appeal of Jensen Ackles (body, wit, charm, tough-guy, etc). If you don’t know who Jensen Ackles is, check out this YouTube video comparing Jensen to Nathan Drake..they are seriously identical:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4VvhMpAJno
Nick Lachey all the way to play Drake
http://www.sweetslyrics.com/images/img_gal/10180_nick-lachey.jpg
From the moment I played the first uncharted with my friend we were like, “wow how come Nathan Fillion is in this game?” I’m sorry, but Nathan Drake is Nathan Fillion already, regardless of if her gets the role or not. Oh and we also thought that reporter chick looked a little like Jennifer Anderson.