I play very few videogames. For example, I think I have played three videogames in the past two years. However, even I have played Sony’s “Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune” as well as its sequel “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves,” and I can tell you they are highly cinematic features so it’s no surprise they are being adapted into feature films. However, what is a bit surprising is news Sony has hired David O. Russell to write and direct the film adaptation for the big screen.
Russell is probably best known as the director of 1999’s Three Kings and 2004’s I Heart Huckabees and has a new film and potential Oscar contender coming out this Fall starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale titled The Fighter, of which we’ve discussed many times here on this site. None of these films specifically say Russell is the man to tackle an action adventure feature that can probably best be described as an Indiana Jones for the modern era, but I also think the decision sounds rather inspired.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is an adaptation of the Sony Computer Entertainment videogame of the same name, the story centers on a 400-year-old clue in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake setting Nathan Drake, a modern-day fortune hunter on an exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The search turns deadly when Drake becomes stranded on the island and hunted by mercenaries. Outnumbered and outgunned, Drake and his companions must fight to survive as they begin to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the Island.
Matt Tolmach, co-president of Columbia Pictures was quoted saying, “David is a tremendous choice to take on this film. He’s equally adept at combining all the classic elements involved in this property: great character development, strong comedy, and amazing action sequences. He has a brilliant vision for this material and we know he will bring his original, unique voice to this adaptation.”
Russell’s decision to direct comes on the heels of his recent departure from directing Pride and Prejudice and Zombies of which Natalie Portman also left the same day. However, upon that announcement it was rumored Russell had left the project to begin shooting the dramedy Old St. Louis with Vince Vaughn. Whether he tackles that film or Uncharted first is not entirely known and the press release announcing his attachment does give any additional clues.
