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Mark Wahlberg playing Nathan Drake

<i>Max Payne</i> star re-collaborating with <i>Fighter</i> director on big-screen version of Uncharted; Pesci, De Niro being courted.

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Two years ago, Mark Wahlberg got the chance to play hard-boiled game antihero Max Payne in the movie of the same name (pictured). Given the film's poor reviews, that honor turned out to be more dubious than not. Now, though, it appears that the Oscar-nominated actor will be getting another chance to portray an iconic game character--Nathan Drake, hero of the Uncharted series.

Mark Wahlberg is going from Max Payne to Nathan Drake.
Mark Wahlberg is going from Max Payne to Nathan Drake.

Speaking with MTV, Wahlberg said he was hoping to film the big-screen adaptation of Naughty Dog's game this coming summer. The project is being written and directed by David O. Russell, a frequent collaborator of Wahlberg's. The pair has worked together on such films as the Gulf War action-dramedy Three Kings, the existential comedy I Heart Huckabees, and the upcoming boxing drama The Fighter.

"David is writing [the script] now, and David is one of the best writer-directors I've ever worked with," Wahlberg said. "And the idea that he has is just insane. … It's not going to be the watered-down version; that's for sure."

Wahlberg also revealed some potential casting for the Uncharted film, which points to a loose adaptation of the game. Russell is apparently writing two roles--that of Drake's father and uncle--with two specific actors in mind. The former part is apparently being offered to Robert de Niro, with the latter being tailor made for Joe Pesci. Neither character appears in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune or its sequel, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

For more on Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, read GameSpot's full review.

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Avatar image for SuperGamesNet2
SuperGamesNet2

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You know who I think for would be a perfect fit? No one. I hate that they're making this into a movie, the game is already a movie in a way with it's cutscenes. Don't do this!! I will never look at the game again it will ruin it!

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Avatar image for ImaPirate0202
ImaPirate0202

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If Mark Wahlberg really is casted for this I will not see the movie. That's how much I love the series and how much I wanted to see Fillion get a shot at the role. Go figure hollywood to screw this up.

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Avatar image for JAShwartz
JAShwartz

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Don't get me wrong, Mark Wahlberg is a fine actor, but him as Nathan Drake would be a total miscast. I agree with many of the posts here that Nathan Fillion would be much better for it, but someone else I had in mind would possibly be Jensen Ackles from Supernatural. Anyone else like that idea? Also, the report that Scarlett Johansson is being considered as Elena Fisher, don't know if she's been cast in the part, but I think she's perfect for it.

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jasonredemption

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I think Ryan Renalds would be a perfect fit for the character of Nathan Drake.

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thebrickster007

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Mark Wahlberg = Matt Damon's evil twin?

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guyguyguy1234

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Look at what David O Russell had directed though! << LINK REMOVED >> Critics love his work. And he's worked with Mark Wahlberg multiple times. He may be up for a few Oscars this year with Wahlberg and Russell's new movie "The Fighter". He knows what he's doing. He's done the genre. He's worked with Wahlberg. I can see this doing well!

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Avatar image for threeunder3
threeunder3

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I dont think Nolan North looks rugged enough. Great voice though. Wahlberg polarizes opinion on his acting - in The Departed he was good. Ed Norton is a brilliant actor and can do any sort of role convincingly (American History X to Primal Fear), but he's not right for this role. Ryan Reynolds would be a great choice.

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Avatar image for Giodude93
Giodude93

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I'm with pretty much everyone else on this. Mark Wahlberg isn't the worst actor there is, but he's hardly right for the role of Nathan Drake. I doubt he'd do it,but my votes for Nolan North himself.

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Avatar image for CoL0sS
CoL0sS

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Worst of all now there are rumors of "extended family" accompanying Drake. Seriously what are those guys thinking? Did anyone even play the damn game (or at least talk with one of the fans)? This, combined with poor casting and movie being rushed will probably result in one big disaster.

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Avatar image for Get_Shorty
Get_Shorty

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Y not use the actual actor that voices Drake and save some of that "Star" money for the rest of the movie?... or a sexy female star!

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Avatar image for Sendmn23
Sendmn23

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oh GAWED why? make a video game based movie and you have to cast the worst card board actor in the industry... at least you like Nathan Drake... Whalberg? he has the same demeanor in every movie! "FAIL!"

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steveguttenberg

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Say hello to your mother for me.

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valdarez

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@UnknownPerson55 Didn't even think about Joe! Nathan Fillion was my first thought. You're right though, Joe Flanigan is definitely the better choice. He looks the part and has pretty good comedic timing. FAR better choice than Mark Wahlberg!

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Avatar image for valdarez
valdarez

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Mark Wahlberg for Nathan Drake??? That's HORRIBLE casting. Wahlberg has little to no comedic timing. Nathan Fillion would be a FAR better fit, except he's too old now, or would need to go on one heck of a diet / workout to get in shape for the part.

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JMcN76

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Because Ed Norton is a dweeb.

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rasputin177

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why does everyone hate edward norton?

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akieal

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YES Nathan Fillion the obvious choice, I actually thought he was the voice of Drake, and they modeled the character off him. Nothing against Mark. But seeing Nathans role in Firefly, I think Nathan is a perfect match to play Drake.

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Avatar image for GrLeviathan
GrLeviathan

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Nathan Fillion for Drake.Come on studios,hear us for once.

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Avatar image for crunchb3rry
crunchb3rry

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The problem with this movie is clearly the director. He's the one that demanded Wahlberg be in his movie. What's this, the third movie of his Wahlberg will be in? Worse is he's writing the script too. Then it'll be twice as terrible, because he mangled the plot and then cast all the wrong people to perform his mangled plot.

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Jediprince

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just look at Nathan Fillion here and tell me if he's not Nathan Drake: << LINK REMOVED >> Scoped.jpg

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ajas95

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C'mon son... Nathan Fillion in this role, ftw! Marky Mark is alright, not a disaster, but Den of Thieves was my favorite game on PS3 so far, so I hope they aim higher.

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UnknownPerson55

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joe flanigan could pull off this role much better than wahlberg.

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protokyoto

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Why is this one here now? IGN posted this story about a month ago. Gamespot is a little late again. On-topic: Mark Wahlberg is a pretty good actor but there is not a chance in this world that he could pull off the personality required for this role. This is gonna be a flop unless they change their mind unfortunately.

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rasputin177

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Edward Norton would have been much better. Even Ryan Renyolds but Wahlberg?

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himsa09

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Hopefully they see all the out cry and take Wahlberg off this movie. If they dont I wont go see this movie and I have a feeling it will be a flop.

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Avatar image for Get_Shorty
Get_Shorty

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No no no. Mark Walberg? They need a character with more personality. Do they really need a fancy star to do this role? Maybe a lesser known star could do it and make the female characters more known and use the rest of the money on script and action.

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blackace

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@Coliholio1 Nathan Fillion and Bruce Campbell, nuff said. **************************************************************** Bruce Campbell and to fat and out of shape to do this movie. Maybe 10-15yrs ago he could have done it. There are definitely better actors that could play this part way better then Mark W.

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Avatar image for blackace
blackace

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That is a very bad choice for Nathan Drake. Someone who could pull this off brilliantly would be either Ryan Reynolds or Robert Downey Jr. I hate to say it, but even Brendan Fraser could do the part better then Mark W. What the hell were these people thinking? Unless Mark has an outstanding supporting cast, this film is going to fail miserably. Max Payne was terrible and part of the problem was having Mark W. in the leading role. don't get me wrong Mark was pretty good in "We Own The Night, The Departed and Four Brothers", but a lot of his movies like "The Happening, Max Payne, Shooter, Planet of the Apes, etc.. we not good. He's not the best in action movies when he's the lead. Nathan Fillion is 39yrs old and definitely not too old. Look at Harrison Ford, Robert Downey Jr., and Sylvester Stallone.

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claykenobi

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WHAT!?? lollolololololololol not even close to right. Movie already ruined..

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Dasim64

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I like Wahlberg, but he's an absolutely terrible choice for the part of Nathan Drake.

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MarioHeavy

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Guys, put Marky Mark as Nathan Drake will be Payne in the ass. I'm sure all of us geeks that we are, we´re all saddened by the deaths of Leslie Nielsen and Irvin Kershner, producers, please take care not to damage the image of Uncharted, we are in mourning. Just do not do the movie. At least we still have Mel Brooks, George A. Romero, John Carpenter, etc. ... We still have very good guys. RIP: Leslie and Irvin. And may the force be with you, werever you are, always!

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kuda001

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Looks a bit like him but Mark wouldn't be able to portray the funny, sarcastic personality Nate has, I think Ryan Reynolds would have been the better choice

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Space_Paranoids

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You start by pleasing the video game community, make the movie to popular specifications and closest to source material. Give a believable plot within canon, cast actors accordingly and pay attention to forum feedback. Once you have made the movie we approve, all gamers will attend and be over-joyed, thus spreading the word to mainstream where we will bring all of our friends, families, cousins and such...Money made, everybodies happy.

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TheDarkCrucible

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erm... idk what to think. just as long as the script is good and they don't go totaly screw it up like they did with the script in Max Payne... Max Payne is a great GAME but they really messed up the movie. I just hope they don't mess up the Uncharted movie. still looking forward to it but getting kind of skeptical... I would perfer a CGI movie imo

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Species8472_5b

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LOL... I'm starting to believe the "poisoning the well" theory... ;) If a videogame movie was good, people who watched it might try the game and end up playing more videogames. If you know nothing about the game though, and you see a dreadful movie, you certainly won't check out the game afterwards... ;) Games are a "new" media that's quickly becoming VERY mainstream. Consumers are putting more of their money into interactive entertainment, and that scares Hollywood -- people only have so much disposable income, and if more of it goes towards gaming, that means less of it goes to the movie studios. It's the whole radio vs. TV happening all over again... Scuttling popular IPs right from the start is a sound strategy for the movie studios... ;)

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3KindgomsRandy

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Joke story? I hope? PLEASE???

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supersmashninja

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jus cuz its Wahlberg ill check it out... the movie sounds more interesting than both games :P

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mfall121

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And now I won't be seeing this movie.....

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grosgrostas

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Huge disappointment ! This movie would only work if they used a talented new actor. Don't you think ? I mean i love Mark and all but hes to short and to ...well '' Mark Wahlberg'ish'' . It wont be believable. Personally, I would of used the in game movies and finished the movie with more of it...a great CG movie it would be and cheap to make !

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Avatar image for troy1108
troy1108

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Vote James Roday aka Psych for Nathan Drake!!!Wahlberg is a good actor but he's just not fit for uncharted.No ofense but Fillion is too old now...

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Keitha313

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What the title should of read is "Mark Wahlberg to not also ruin Max Payne but to also butcher Nathan Drake with shoddy acting"

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Crichton76

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oh dear.

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Hercules321

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I'm so sick of these big Hollywood producers and directors who think "ok, this movie is only going to appeal to people who have played the video game unless we get some big hollywood actors to star in it". You know you can actually make a lot of money off of a movie by simply making a good movie. One of the biggest reasons why these movies do so badly is because the directors cast huge hollywood actors thinking that "just because Mark Wahlberg is starring in a movie called Max Payne, people will go see it". I mean no disrespect towards Wahlberg but c'mon, there are clearly much better choices out there for the role of Nathan Drake. The games are almost a movie in themselves so the director should just watch all the cutscenes from the two games to help make a much better decision. DeNiro as some sort of support role isn't bad I guess bit Wahlberg is just too wooden to be playing someone as full of character as Nathan Drake IMO.

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GC4ever

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they could have found a better nathan drake than marky mark.... he did an 'ok' max payne but this........i really have my doubts...

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SgtStrungOut

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This is garbage. You can already tell that this is going the way of your typical video game movie, a failure before it even started. Oh well, I guess Hollywood expects people to have low expectations for video game movies by now. They should just stop making movies based on games. GARBAGE IS ALL YOU WILL RECEIVE.

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absolut_gamerz

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@buzznugget yes. of course. Mark have to talk to animal to prove that he is really Drake. :P

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M3ran

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what?noway he just doesnt look close to nathan drake,not even maxpayne he played.they should get different dude to play as drake

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absolut_gamerz

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Nolan north is the ONLY Nathan in the world!!

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daveg1

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i cant see him as drake

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Zathic

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the more I think of this, the worse I think it will be.

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