Uncharted is one of the most valuable and beloved properties in the history of PlayStation, so it’s no surprise that Sony Pictures was eager to bring the popular video game franchise to the big screen one way or another. First announced back in 2009, the live-action film adaptation has had its fair share of struggles, losing six directors and receiving multiple rewrites before the idea of an origin story took hold and Spider-Man: Far From Home actor, Tom Holland signed on to play a young Nathan Drake.
Inspired by flashback sequences from Uncharted 4 that delved into Nathan Drake’s youth, production delays have led to a total of seven announced release dates leading many to believe the film would never see the light of day. Last week, Holland offered fans a first glimpse at what his version of Nathan Drake would look like in the upcoming film, hinting that production may be underway in the coming weeks. Now the actor has gone a step further and confirmed Uncharted has officially begun the first day of filming.
Announced on the actors personal Instagram, Holland shared an image from the film’s set with the caption ‘Day one #Uncharted.’ The image (which can be seen below) displays the top of the actor’s chair, a black chair that has been branded with “NATE” across the centre in bold red, an obvious nod to the nickname of Uncharted protagonist, Nathan Drake. Principal photography had been scheduled to begin earlier this year, however, production was put on hold due to growing health concerns surrounding the global pandemic, and since then we’ve heard very little about the film.
Uncharted will be the first feature film released by Sony-owned PlayStation Productions, a production studio formed in May 2019 to bring its video game properties to film and television. Previously known as PlayStation Originals, the production studio behind the Ratchet and Clank animated film tie-in from 2016, PlayStation Productions will also be producing the upcoming The Last Of Us TV series in conjunction with HBO and Sony Pictures Television.
Venom’s Ruben Fleischer signed on to direct the Uncharted film in February this year, based on a new script from Art Marcum and Matt Holloway, co-writers of Marvel’s Iron Man, as well as Transformers: The Last Knight and Men In Black: International. Alongside Holland, Mark Walhberg will be playing the fan-favorite character, Victor “Sully” Sullivan, Drake’s mentor and treasure hunting partner, and Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Sophia Taylor Ali (Truth or Dare), and Tati Gabrielle (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) have all signed in unannounced roles.
Uncharted is currently slated to premiere in theatres on July 16, 2021.
