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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Just sayin, the only reason I’ve even played uncharted,and own the trilogy, is because Nathan Drake reminds me so much of Capt. Mal.
for me if Uncharted the movie has cast any body else as the Drake other than Fillion, I would say whats the point…not to say anything bad about the director or the actor chosen but Nathan Fillion was born for this role. I’d probably still see the movie…but it would be rented and heavily criticized.
I don’t like Nathan Fillon as Drake. He is too fat..just saw him on the Golden globe awards and he so not a good fit. I think they should find a no name actor for the role that looks like Drake and a famous actor who Uncharted fans like me will be associating with other movies.
in all honestly David Boreanz (spelling), Liam Hemsworth, Mark Wahlberg are better choices than Fillion……but the first 2 would be more ideal…in all honesty they need to begin pre-production on this asap cause it has that National Treasure type appeal with better action…there is nothing like that being filmed today
Matt Bomer
From white collar
Nah – Matt Bomer’s too pretty and polished to play Drake. Drake needs to be a bit more grizzled.
Nathan Fillon as Drake!
i think Jensen Ackles would make a pretty good drake. he’s funny, he’s fit, he’s definitely handsome enough. he’s already got that tan, rugged, adventure-y look to him.
Jensen Ackles should seriously take on the role
I love nathon drake
Drake should be played by Bradley Cooper or Gerard Butler.
Bradley Cooper has the looks, the comedy soon serious attitude (watch some of his interviews) and when I was playing Drakes Deception I was convinced that Bradley Cooper was actually voicing him.
Gerard Butler looks exactly like Drake and is in a lot of action films.
Or, with the technology these days, it could all be CGI because The Avengers was just about all CGI and the characters looked realistic so just use some high tech CGI and get the voice actors. In my eyes Nathan Fillon looks nothing like Drake.
Nathan is too fat. The extra weight is impacting his looks. He is not handsome. More importantly he is not macho. Drake needs macho. The age issue can be debated but who would relate to the lead having ‘man-breasts’ and double chin. I watch Castle and he does not fit as someone Stana Katic would be crazy about. His role is too silly for her character. Note, I did not say comedic, I said silly. His acting otherwise is not the worst I have seen but his looks and weight gain are distracting. Please note his love handles and his waist line. OUCH! The only reason Castle is still a good show is the supporting actors, Jon and his partner are entertaining. Susan S.and Tamala contribute nicely but it is the acting skills of Stana that is the glue holding the show together (also her beauty). Also, the writing is excellent. Simply good story telling.
Ahaha so blunt.
But you have a point. I agree Nathan Fillion doesn’t look anything like Drake, doesn’t have the physique, and I can’t imagine him as being Drake at all, having all that action and the personality Drake has… though yes, good actors should be able to portray different characters, I really can’t imagine Fillion being like Drake.
Reading some other comments, I’m fine with Bradley Cooper, he’s a good actor, but not Gerard Butler… he’s not Drake at all either…
Though I like Nathan Fillion in Castle, I really don’t think he’s a good fit for Nathan Drake at all… there must be other more suitable actors for the role.
Noooooooo…. Not Nathan Fillion… he’s like dough… should bring an Indian dude in like Surya
Those who don’t see Nathan Fillion as ion as Drake must have never seen the Firefly series. Even the characters personality is similar. I would’ve like him to play the part as well but now, he’s too old and chubby for the part.
I see Bradley Cooper fitting in the role quite nicely, but Mark Whalberg? His face already shows age although he’s really fit. Nathan needs too look young because of Sully.
Definitely Gerard Butler, good gritty action hero actor.