Fans of the popular video game Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune are rejoicing over this latest bit of news. Oscar nominated director David O. Russell will no longer helm the live action film adaptation. Russell is a talented man but ever since it was announced that he was set to direct the movie, fans have been uneasy.
According to Variety, O. Russell left the film on his own accord due to creative differences with the studio (Sony). Even though he’s out and the director’s chair is empty the movie is still alive and kicking. The one big question surrounding his move is, with him out does that mean Mark Wahlberg is also gone?
While out promoting The Fighter last year, David O. Russell frequently spoke about his vision for Uncharted, which had a more family feel. He wanted Mark Wahlberg to star along with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci as supporting paternal figures. The addition of new characters made die hard fans of the game nervous and uneasy. The director is known for his films having deep rooted familial themes, but Uncharted doesn’t really need that slant.
This might be the reason O. Russell and Sony butted heads over the project. The studio is hard at work looking for a new screenwriter and director, which means that Wahlberg, De Niro, and Pesci are probably out. The trade claims that the “…original game sold one million copies within its first 10 weeks of release, and a 2009 sequel sold more than 3.8 million copies worldwide.”
Previous to Wahlberg’s casting, Castle star Nathan Fillion was suggested as a possible candidate by fans of the game. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and O. Russell decided to stick with an actor he’s more familiar with. But now that he’s out, there may be hope for Fillion after all! Who do you think should direct Uncharted?
