Mark Wahlberg Says He Is Still Set To Play Nathan Drake In 'Uncharted'

Last week, Uncharted 3 game director Justin Richmond attempted to debunk reports that director David O. Russell would be introducing a "family dynamic" (which would possible include the casting of Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci as the father and uncle of Drake) in his big screen adaptation of the popular video game Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. The video game director also claimed that "Mark Wahlberg isn't anywhere near to being confirmed to play Nathan Drake either." At the time, I wrote Richmond off as a someone involved with the video game property who clearly wasn't up to date with the development of the film adaptation. Both of the stories Richmond claimed false came from the mouths of Russell and Wahlberg in interviews with respected publications. While Wahlberg might not yet be signed, I have no doubt that David wants Mark for the role. This is confirmed today by Wahlberg's response.

Moviehole asked Wahlberg about the rumors that he had not yet signed on to play Drake, and the actor confirmed that he is still on board and the film is still happening (looking at a possible Summer start):

"David O'Russell is writing right now and hopes to direct", Wahlberg says. "It's myself, Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro."

So there you have it. I hate to upset the vocal group of fans who are still pushing for Nathan Fillion to play the role, but it's not going to happen — Russell is on board, and he clearly wants Wahlberg for the part. The actor also confirmes that Pesci and De Niro are still involved, which confirms that Richmond didn't know what he was talking about.