Live-action adaptations of iconic video game franchises have proven to be a mixed bag of qualities, with most attempts failing to capture the essence of the source material. Over the years, critical and financial failures such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Warcraft, and Hitman have left gamers doubtful that a solid game-to-film adaptation is possible.
However, recent years have seen a resurrection of hope for many, as films like Sonic the Hedgehog, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, Mortal Kombat, and Tomb Raider have proven much more successful in adapting their beloved source material.
As a new era of video game adaptations gets underway, Sony is diving in headfirst as it develops live-action projects based on The Last of Us, Ghosts of Tsushima, Twisted Metal, and Uncharted.
For over a decade now, Sony has been trying to bring Nathan Drake's adventures in Naughty Dog's Uncharted world to the big screen. After countless castings, directors, and rewrites, the film has finally been shot and will hit theaters next year.
Spider-Man actor Tom Holland will star in the globe-trotting flick as the iconic Nathan Drake, while The Fighter's Mark Walhberg becomes the beloved Victor "Sully" Sullivan. Additionally, the two leads will be joined by Sophia Ali, Antonio Banderas, and more in the Ruben Fleischer-directed project.
With only a few short months to go until the February release, the first trailer for the long-awaited Uncharted film has hit the internet.
Tom Holland's Uncharted Releases First Trailer
PlayStation officially released the first trailer for Tom Holland and Mark Walhberg's Uncharted, offering the first look at the video game adaptation.
The full trailer can be seen below:
The release was accompanied by a message from Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann on the PlayStation blog to introduce the trailer. The gaming industry legend first discussed the “huge impact” the Uncharted game franchise has had on “not only on the people that created it but on millions of worldwide fans:”
“This is a pretty epic day for us at Naughty Dog. It’s been almost fourteen years since our team first brought you the bombastic, jaw-dropping, globe-trotting adventures with Nathan Drake, Chloe Frazer, and all the lovable characters that have come to make up the franchise — Sully, Sam, Elena, Nadine, and beyond!
Uncharted has had a huge impact, not only on the people that created it but on millions of worldwide fans, becoming one of PlayStation’s most enjoyed franchises — spanning four stand-alone titles as well as a spinoff starring Chloe Frazer with The Lost Legacy as well.”
Druckmann went on to share his excitement to showcase the first official look at the Uncharted movie, which he believes has “captured the spirit, spectacle, and heart” of the franchise. Additionally, a quote from director Ruben Fleischer shared that the movie was made for “both hardcore fans of the game and those who are not yet familiar with the franchise:”
“Today, we’re humbled and incredibly excited to show you the world premiere of the first official trailer for the much-anticipated Uncharted movie — starring Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, and Antonio Banderas. In a collaboration between Sony Pictures Entertainment, PlayStation Productions, and Naughty Dog, we captured the spirit, spectacle, and heart that Uncharted is known for (some of you will recognize some of the humor, landmarks, music, and relics).
In discussions with the film’s director, Ruben Fleischer, he shared that he “made the movie for both hardcore fans of the game and those who are not yet familiar with the franchise and believe that both will be equally entertained by this incredibly fun and action-packed film.”
It’s going to be an epic, emotional ride for new and old fans as we watch Nathan Drake make his big-screen debut. Sic Parvis Magna indeed!
Without any further delay, presenting the Uncharted movie trailer.”
Uncharted Looks Surprisingly Good
After spending so many years in development hell and given the low standard set for game-to-film adaptations, Uncharted looks like a surprisingly good take on the iconic source material.
Everything about the story being told seems to be classically Uncharted, as the leading duo are taken on a globe-trotting action-packed adventure around the world in search of an ancient artifact and Nathan's long-lost brother, Sam Drake.
Ever since the casting was first announced, Holland and Walhberg have proven to be controversial choices for Nathan Drake and his mentor Sully. The first trailer certainly seems to have sold many of Walhberg's casting, although some have criticized Holland's performance for appearing too close to his Spider-Man role.
Granted, what's been shown so far is only a comparatively brief look at what Uncharted has to offer, so Holland will have plenty more time to prove himself as Nathan Drake.
Should the film prove successful, fans should expect Uncharted to become a big theatrical franchise moving forward for Sony, with sequels and spin-offs likely to be on the cards, just as the games have now done.
Uncharted hits theaters on February 18, 2022.