If you have had any interest in videogames over the last decade you should have come across or at least heard of the Uncharted series from Naughty Dog. The action/adventure series exclusive for PlayStation is one of the most popular titles today and so it’s no surprise that a movie adaption has been talked about for years. With the next installment in the game series just around the corner (May 10th), there is no better time than to go back to the drawing board and talk about who should play the lead, Nathan Drake. Judging by the latest news on the project, we’re going to have a lot of time to chew on this one.
In what is sure to be a big-budgeted blockbuster action adventure film, the real success of the movie ultimately lies in its casting of everyone's favourite wisecracking treasure hunter, Nathan Drake. And no, it isn't Mark Wahlberg anymore. And yes, people still really want Nathan Fillion for the role. Casting Drake requires an actor with charm, wit, and it wouldn’t hurt if they looked like they had been thrown from a train or two in their lives. Drake is sarcastic, heroic and cocky. Needless to say, we shouldn’t have to look too far to come up with some viable Hollywood options.
We should discuss Fillion first I think, considering he's going to be on a lot of people’s lists. The actor has shown interest in the role stating "I think every actor I know desires to have an action hero role, their Indiana Jones. I think this would be a good one for me." The Internet has definitely behind him with a lot of campaigns and fan art making the rounds. There is no denying that Fillion embodies Nathan Drake in a lot of ways; Naughty Dog has even confirmed that they based the character of off Malcolm from Firefly/SERENITY. His look and even his sound is absolutely synonymous with Nathan Drake; he can pull off one-liners and drama with the best of them. With all that being said, he still wouldn't make my list.
As a die-hard fan of the games, I will even admit that my choices are a little out there for the most part. First up, my top choice for Nathan Drake is Timothy Olyphant. This criminally underrated and underutilized actor has been my favorite since I saw him steal every scene in THE GIRL NEXT DOOR. He’s got charm and drama down as seen on Justified for five years. He’s a delivery machine when it comes to one-liners and quick wit. Basically he’s the best friend we all wished we had so watching him in this role would be something special.
I am also putting up Bradley Cooper for the role. He’s a very bankable star and could give the movie the budget and name it needs to really garner attention. He’s great a comedy, drama, and action. Did you see his performance in AMERICAN HUSTLE? Sold! He would bring in men and women, fans and curious minds, to see what Uncharted is all about. Cooper could use a franchise at this point and I think filling the role of Nathan Drake could be the one for him.
Lastly, Jensen Ackles, the good looking guy from the show I’ve never watched (Supernatural) fits the bill in a number of ways. He’s not a well-known and has the marketable look much like Cooper. He’s got the charm and facial expressions (trust me, I did research) that remind me a lot of Drake. Drake’s smile is a favorite among fans of the series; it’s a slight but all-knowing smile that makes you either want to love him or hate him.
So what about you guys? Who would you like to see in the role? I’ve heard a few people drop Colin Farrell in the mix from time to time. He’s got the action status and he’s done comedy very well (HORRIBLE BOSSES). Josh Holloway has the hunky smartass thing going for him. Sam Worthington could be another contender (but he might be busy with 53 AVATAR sequels). Joe Flanigan from Stargate: Atlantis, who also has a similar sense of humour and range of expressions, has said "I would love to play Nathan Drake! And I'm damn good at the game too!”
With so many options, it’s never going to be easy and it’s not going to please everyone. My only advice would be to have fun with your picks and if you haven’t already, pre-order Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, the fourth and final installment in the series, will hit shelves on May 10, 2016.
RESULTS FROM CAST THIS: SHAFT 1. Idris Elba 2. Anthony Mackie 3. Mike Colter