Sony Pictures is once again moving forward on a new attempt to adapt the Uncharted video game franchise to the big screen, and their casting choice for Nathan Drake isn't exactly who we expected.
Differing from previously attached actor Mark Wahlberg and shifting gears from adapting the story of adult Nathan Drake, it's been revealed that Spider-Man: Homecoming's Tom Holland will star in the Shawn Levy-directed adaptation as a younger version of the character. This take on the story, which still needs a script, will be based on the flashback sequence in Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception where Nate meets his mentor Sullivan for the first time.
While not what we initially expected out of an Uncharted movie, the more we think about this casting the more we think it's a brilliant move for the long-in-development film adaptation. Here's why Holland as Nathan Drake seems like a smart move for Uncharted.
The same reason Holland was an immediately brilliant choice for the role of Spider-Man applies to why he's a perfect fit for Nathan Drake: he has the right physicality for the part. While it's refreshing that the crux of this new take on the movie seems to be hinged around the emotional relationship between Nate and Sully, one of the main reasons the Uncharted gameplay is so engaging is Nate's penchant from parkour-style action hero stunts, from climbing up a train about to fall off a cliff to scaling the ruins of temples on the hunt for a missing treasure.
Thanks to his background in theater and dance, Holland has showcased repeatedly he is well-versed in a believable version of this physicality. Just watch some of his incredibleparkourmoves on Instagram if you aren't convinced yet (and after his performance in Captain America: Civil War, you should be already). He's the sort of actor who you can imagine will throw himself into doing his own stunts on the set of an Uncharted movie and relish the athletic challenge of the part in a way that will translate convincingly to the big screen.
But more than just being physically capable, Holland has the right bright personality to portray a younger version of Nathan Drake. He has the energy and the charisma and zest for life to make you believe he will one day grow up to be the professional treasure hunter we all know and love -- not to mention, he's a great actor. The idea of this younger take on Nathan Drake is intriguing because this version of the character doesn't come with the baggage -- emotional and romantic -- that Nathan has in the games. As appealing as versions of Nathan Drake played by Mark Wahlberg or even fan favorites Nathan Fillion and Nolan North (who played Nate in the games) would have been, there's something exciting about someone as fresh-faced as Holland taking on the role.
Whereas previous attempts at making an Uncharted movie have focused on trying to tell another story of Nathan Drake as an adult, one of the most inspired elements of this casting announcement is instead showcasing his younger days. The new movie is reportedly based on the Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception sequence when Nathan meets his mentor Sully for the first time, making this movie a prequel of sorts to the games.
Considering Naughty Dog's beloved game series is a bit of a movie itself sometimes and that Uncharted 4: A Thief's End pretty suitably concludes Nathan Drake's story, it's a smart move to not retread on a story that fans already feel they know. Several Uncharted games have explored flashback sequences showcasing Nate's life when he was younger. Though obviously an entire sequence of a game inspired what the movie will be, there's enough in Nate's younger years that's new to appeal to diehard fans of the franchise, while this take on the story also has an appealing enough concept for people who have never heard of Uncharted before.
It's interesting to note that Holland will be playing a similar role in the Uncharted movie as his portrayal of Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming. In both, a young, talented and plucky rulebreaker -- treasure hunter in one story, superhero in the other -- will fall into the path of a sarcastic, rough-around-the-edges mentor who guides him on his journey. It's yet another reason why Holland is a smart pick for the role -- he's proven he can play the protege well -- but we hope whoever is cast as Sully ends up being differentiated enough from Robert Downey Jr.'s depiction of Tony Stark in Homecoming.
For Holland, this move at least sets him up to have more to his claim to fame than just playing Peter Parker -- and also opens the door to find out how well he can open a movie. So far in his career, Holland's biggest breakout has been as Peter Parker in the unprecedented Disney/Sony deal that allows Spider-Man to exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Previously he was best known for his role as the lead in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, and he's had notable roles in The Impossible, In the Heart of the Sea and the forthcoming Lost City of Z.
Though all significant, none of those have been blockbuster roles to the scale of Holland's MCU involvement, and this Uncharted casting offers the opportunity for Holland to showcase his big screen draw. Holland reportedly got the Nathan Drake gig because Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman was so impressed by Holland's performances in a recent cut of Homecoming, which is certainly a great vote of confidence. But if Holland ever wants to be known for more than just playing a superhero, this is the right sort of move to make while his star is bright.
From a business perspective, it's smart for Sony to loosen the reins on Holland's Spider-Man ties for him to star in another franchise that the studio is hoping will be a similarly successful blockbuster. The hope clearly is that Holland will grow into the potential he's already shown as an actor, and for Sony to have two major box office-driving series that he's propelling. It allows Holland the freedom to not just be in Spider-Man mode all the time, but also keeps him tied to the studio where he can flourish over the next few years.
We're thrilled at the news that Tom Holland has been tapped to play Nathan Drake in a new take on the long-in-production Uncharted movie, but we want to know whether you are similarly enthused. Let us know your take on his casting in the comments below, and make sure to keep it locked here at IGN for all the latest on movies, TV, comics and games.
Terri Schwartz is Entertainment Editor at IGN. Talk to her on Twitter at @Terri_Schwartz.
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