“Uncharted” (2022) makes it to release

Sony is finally releasing the movie adaptation of the video game franchise “Uncharted.” The movie is scheduled to be in theaters on Feb. 18, 2022. This film, now starring Tom Holland as Nathan Drake and Mark Wahlberg as Victor Sullivan, has been a long process for Sony.

I found the Uncharted franchise through a popular youtuber around 2016, just after the “Uncharted: A Thief’s End” was released. The “Indiana Jones” style adventure game follows Nathan Drake through many impressive environments. Traditionally a first person shooter game, Uncharted also relies heavily on solving puzzles, making choices and following a story. 

The first game, “Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune,” was released in 2007 for the Playstation 3. The year after, Sony and “Spider-man” producer Avi Arad started plans for an Uncharted film. With an assigned writing team, the rumored film faded from relevance. 

In 2009, “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves” was released on the Playstation 3. With the rise in the franchise’s popularity, the movie resurfaced with a new, more promising writing team. Rumors about the starring actor were swirling, with Nathan Fillion chosen as the crowd favorite. The producers disagreed with that nomination and cast Mark Wahlberg as Drake.

Two years passed, and the film had to replace a director. The team moved forward with their plans after bringing in writer and director Neil Burger who “better fit their needs.” Around this time, the third game was released. “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception” brought the franchise to a new level of popularity, and the demand for the film grew in strength.

2012 brought new lows for the project. Neil Burger left the team to make “Divergent” (2014). He was replaced with two people, who were directed to rewrite the film. The first release date was scheduled for June 2016.

In 2015, Sony was hacked, and the most recent script for Uncharted was leaked. The film was scrapped and was rewritten for a more mature audience, following the style of the games. This choice caused director Seth Gordan to leave, and he went on to direct “Baywatch” (2017) instead. When it couldn’t go worse, Mark Wahlberg dropped the project due to the delays. The star role was offered to Chris Pratt, who turned down the offer for unknown reasons. The role was tossed around until it landed with Tom Holland in 2017.

By Annelise Jacobs