Now that the Uncharted movie adaptation of the popular video game looks to be moving with full steam ahead, rumours are swirling as to just when we’ll get our first glimpse of Nathan Drake on the big screen. Joe Carnahan has penned a new screenplay for the film, whilst My Entertainment World is now also reporting a possible start date for filming as late spring of this year.
Nathan Drake in Uncharted 4
Tipped to be filmed in Colombia, those behind the movie must now have their man for the film’s lead role, or at least be extremely close to getting him to pen a deal. With all that in mind, we’ve whittled down our wishlist of actors who could play Drake to just five; are any of these guys the ones you’d like to see in the role?
5) Scott Eastwood
Scott Eastwood is perhaps the one actor in existence that physically fits the role of Nathan Drake absolutely perfectly. Whilst the films he’s been a part of in the past have all seen varying degrees of success, there’s no denying his brilliance at weaving charisma, nerves of steel and great acting ability together to deliver a stunning performance on the big screen. Eastwood is a man whose versatile roles to-date prove his ability to switch and change his style of performance depending on the character he’s portraying. Seeing him in the role of Nathan Drake would certainly be a welcome gift.
4) Chris Pratt
Many think Chris Pratt should play the role of Indiana Jones if the franchise is ever rebooted, but without that ever being confirmed, just how are we to fill that void? In the Uncharted movie, of course. Nathan Drake is an adventurer much like Jones, and there’s not a person who has seen a movie or television series involving Pratt that could deny his humour and spirit. Unafraid to let himself become fully immersed in any role and have fun with his characters, Pratt can be sarcastic, or serious. Fun, or problematic. He’s everything Nathan Drake has ever been.
3) Bradley Cooper
Though his age may be of concern for those casting the Uncharted movie, Bradley Cooper has proved time and time again that he’s more than willing to do whatever necessary to fit a role. He’s proved just how perfect his comedic timing can be in the Hangover film trilogy and even when voicing Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy, and shown that he’s more than capable of taking on a more serious role, such as the one he took up in American Sniper. Cooper certainly has the look of Drake and the passion and drive to help Uncharted become a blockbuster success. Having gained legions of fans to-date, it would be great to see him exposed to a whole new audience of gaming fans via this medium.
2) Chris Pine
When Chris Pine is given the chance to really show off his acting ability, he shines. It’s not something he’s allowed to do very often as many of the movies he’s cast in simply for his good looks; it’s rare that he’s given a meaty script to really sink his teeth into. Combining the charisma that he has often proved is a natural part of his persona, Pine has shown countless times that his on screen chemistry with co-stars is something he deems extremely important in his performances. Drake is a character who often relies on the ensemble cast around him, so Pine could be the perfect choice to step into Drake’s well-worn boots.
1) Robbie Amell
Though he’s not the biggest name in Hollywood, that could all change if Robbie Amell is given the chance to shine in the role of one of video games’ most popular characters. Starring in The Flash on The CW as Firestorm and more recently taking the lead role in compelling Netflix original sci-fi flick Arq, Amell is working his way up the rungs of the ladder in a way that must be celebrated. Unafraid to give his all as every character we’ve ever seen him play, he can be a quick, witty and charming character, or a dangerous adversary that knows his way around a group of foes; all traits that Drake harbours and utilises to make his way through the adventures in the video game series. There’s also no denying that Amell has the perfect look for Drake. With all the right ingredients often comes an incredible recipe for success; let’s hope Amell is given the chance he so deserves and helps elevate the Uncharted movie to the dizzying heights it could quite easily reach. Video game adaptations are traditionally panned by critics; Amell could be one of the turning points in making that tradition a thing of the past.
Female First will keep you up-to-date with Uncharted news as and when it is made available.