The age of Nathan Drake in the Uncharted movie is a key detail that helps situate the film within the broader Uncharted universe. Tom Holland’s portrayal places Drake at roughly 25 years old, a significant departure from the hardened treasure hunter we know from the later games.
Understanding the Uncharted Movie Timeline
The Uncharted movie, directed by Ruben Fleischer, serves as a sort of origin story for Nathan Drake. While drawing inspiration from various games in the Uncharted series, it doesn’t directly adapt any single storyline. This allows the filmmakers to explore Drake’s formative years and how he evolves from a street-smart bartender into a globe-trotting adventurer. Understanding this context is crucial when considering his age. The film depicts Drake just starting his adventure, barely knowing Sully, and clearly inexperienced compared to his video game counterpart. This deliberate choice shifts the focus, showing us the making of Nathan Drake, not Nathan Drake at his peak.
The Age Factor and Casting Choices
The casting of Tom Holland, known for his youthful appearance, inherently suggests a younger Drake. While Holland himself was in his mid-twenties during filming, his youthful energy perfectly aligns with the narrative of a character just embarking on his legendary journey. This contrasts sharply with the older, more seasoned Nathan Drake found in games like Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. Casting choices are rarely arbitrary; they are often the director’s and producers’ signals to the audience regarding the tone and setting of the film.
Digging Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions surrounding Nathan Drake’s age in the movie and its implications for the Uncharted universe:
FAQ 1: Is the Movie Uncharted a Prequel to the Games?
While not a direct prequel, the movie can be considered a loose origin story, depicting events that precede the primary timeline established in the Uncharted video games. It lays the foundation for Drake’s relationships with Sully and Elena, and his overall approach to treasure hunting. The film shows an earlier chapter in Drake’s life, so viewers shouldn’t expect a faithful, one-to-one adaption of any particular game.
FAQ 2: How Does Tom Holland’s Drake Compare to Nolan North’s?
Nolan North is the iconic voice and motion capture artist for Nathan Drake in the Uncharted games. North’s Drake is typically portrayed as being in his late 30s to early 40s, reflecting years of experience and weariness. Tom Holland’s Drake offers a younger, more naive perspective. This allows for character development that wouldn’t be possible with a more established version of the character. Comparing both performances helps to appreciate two facets of the same character at different stages of his life.
FAQ 3: Does the Movie Contradict Any Game Lore?
While the movie takes liberties with specific events and timelines, it generally remains consistent with the core aspects of Nathan Drake’s backstory. Certain events, such as his upbringing in an orphanage and his brother Sam’s influence, are maintained, although the details may differ. These deviations are common in adaptations, but care is taken to not completely invalidate the established lore.
FAQ 4: How Does Sully’s Age Impact the Drake Timeline in the Movie?
Mark Wahlberg’s Sully is also portrayed younger than his video game counterpart. In the games, Sully acts as a father figure and mentor to Drake, suggesting a significant age gap. The movie reduces this age gap, making them feel more like partners. While still a mentor, his relationship with Drake seems more collegial and less paternalistic than in the games.
FAQ 5: Will Uncharted 2 (if made) Feature an Older Nathan Drake?
The success of the first movie will dictate the direction of future installments. If sequels are made, it’s likely that Drake will continue to age and mature, potentially moving closer to the characterization found in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves or later games.
FAQ 6: What Historical Context Informs Drake’s Age in the Movie?
The film draws upon historical narratives of piracy, exploration, and lost treasures. These themes are universal and remain relevant regardless of Drake’s specific age. The filmmakers chose locations and set pieces to mirror some of the challenges that historical explorers might have faced.
FAQ 7: Is There a Specific Age Mentioned in the Movie’s Dialogue?
While a precise age is not explicitly stated, the context and character interactions strongly suggest that Nathan Drake is in his mid-twenties. His inexperience, eagerness, and reliance on Sully for guidance all point to a younger age.
FAQ 8: How Does Drake’s Physicality Reflect His Age in the Movie?
Tom Holland’s athletic performance portrays a nimble and agile Drake, consistent with a younger character. While he displays impressive fighting skills, he also lacks the battle-hardened weariness evident in Nolan North’s portrayal, which typically reflects a more physically demanding lifestyle.
FAQ 9: What is the Significance of Sam Drake in Relation to Nathan’s Age?
The movie touches upon Nathan’s relationship with his older brother, Sam. The circumstances surrounding Sam’s disappearance clearly influenced Nathan’s character, and the movie hints at the impact of this trauma on Nathan’s younger years.
FAQ 10: How Does the Movie’s Ending Set Up Nathan Drake’s Future?
The ending of the Uncharted movie leaves the door open for future adventures, suggesting that Drake will continue to hone his skills and evolve into the treasure hunter we know from the games. The post-credit scenes hint at future antagonists and challenges, suggesting a broader story arc for a sequel.
FAQ 11: What Age Rating Did the Movie Receive and Why?
The movie Uncharted was generally given a PG-13 rating. This rating reflects a conscious effort to appeal to a wider audience while still maintaining elements of adventure, action, and suspense. The studio likely considered the demographic that engages with video game movies when deciding on the appropriate rating.
FAQ 12: Could There Be a Reboot Where Drake’s Age Aligns More Closely With the Games?
While possible, a complete reboot seems unlikely in the near future given the box office success of the first Uncharted movie. However, studios constantly assess audience reception and may eventually choose to revisit the franchise with a different approach to age, characterization, and plot.
The Future of Nathan Drake on the Big Screen
Ultimately, the age of Nathan Drake in the movie is a deliberate creative choice that allows for a fresh take on a beloved character. By focusing on his formative years, the filmmakers have set the stage for a potential series of films that explore the evolution of Nathan Drake from a young hustler into a legendary treasure hunter. Whether future installments maintain this younger portrayal or gradually age the character remains to be seen, but the film provides a solid foundation for future adventures. The film stands alone, giving audiences an accessible entry point to the world, even for those unfamiliar with the video game franchise. The focus on youth, adventure, and discovery make for an entertaining, albeit slightly different, Uncharted experience.