Nathan Fillion campaigning for the lead in Uncharted movie

October 13, 2010 By Ryan Fleming

Fillion tweeted that he is pursuing the role of Nathan Drake in the upcoming Uncharted: Drake's Fortune film, and asked for support from fans.

As soon as it was announced that David O. Russell had been lured back to write the screenplay and film Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, thus legitimizing the project and giving hope for a movie adapted from a video game that might actually be good, it kicked off a flurry of speculation on who would be taking on the lead role of Nathan Drake. Many names have been bandied about, including that of Nathan Fillion, who is actively campaigning for the role via his Twitter page.

“If ever there was a Twitter campaign, let this be it. Rise, ye Browncoats. Rise, ye Castillions. RISE!” Fillion posted in a tweet, which also included a link to the original Hollywood Reporter story.

“Castillions” refers to fans of Fillion’s current ABC show, Castle. As for the “Browncoats”, if you have not seen the show Firefly, please stop reading immediately and rush out to rent or buy it, then feel free to return and comment after watching the 14-episodes that led in to the movie Serenity. Fillion’s career also includes a foray into video games including a vocal role in Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach.

Another name that has been making the rounds (especially in the comment sections of our website and several others), is Joe Flanigan, who is best known for his role as Lt. Col. John Shepard in the TV show Stargate Atlantis. Fillion definitely has the geek cred, while Flanigan seems to have a large grassroots following.

Unfortunately both actors are still just the desires of fans at the moment, and have not been mentioned or contacted by the studio. But what else is the Internet for, if not baseless claims! So who do you think: Fillion, Flanigan, or someone else altogether?

Showing 87 comments

RELZOR at 12:46am 30th November 2010 CAPTAIN TIGHT PANTS!
wil at 6:57am 26th November 2010 Nathan Fillon is the perfect choice for Nathan Drake
steph at 1:38pm 8th November 2010 well as much as i love nathan fillion .... i thought nathan drake was sposed to be like 20 or something ... fillion is too old i think for the part. dunno who joe flanigan is ... not seen stargate. but i think james lafferty from one tree hill would be could as drake ... he does look similar to nathan fillion and as nathan in one tree hill does kinda remind me of drake sometimes. and he is more about the right age since he's 25 or something.
scott at 7:06am 30th October 2010 Chris Evans.
SciFiFay at 2:02am 22nd October 2010 JOE FLANIGAN! JOE FLANIGAN! JOE FLANIGAN!
dorkaholic at 3:13pm 18th October 2010 SAMUEL BRODIE HAS BEEN RUMORED TO BE CASTED AS NATHAN DRAK AS WELL: Source: http://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/nathan-drak...?
john at 11:52am 18th October 2010 Joe Flanigan *is* Nathan Drake. He's the only logical choice.
@dinabr at 11:41am 18th October 2010 I'm voting Joe Flanigan, he's perfect for the part
Adam_Zed at 8:22am 18th October 2010 I'm with Sweepsingle above- David Boreanaz!
Adam_Zed at 8:22am 18th October 2010 David Boreanaz? Oooooh, I like it!
Bean at 6:21am 18th October 2010 Joe Flanigan's the one I want to see in this role. He'd be fantastic!
Leigh at 4:56am 18th October 2010 Joe Flanigan is the one and only choice.
SuCroft at 3:50am 18th October 2010 Succinctly and strongly : Joe Flanigan :D
Guest at 2:14am 18th October 2010 Joe Flanigan would be perfect as Nathan Drake!
LB12 at 2:04am 18th October 2010 Has to be Joe Flanigan!!! Although either of them would be great he would fly with the character where I dont think Nathan Fillion would as much
AlaVita at 1:56am 18th October 2010 Of course, it depends on the vision of the movie makers whether they want someone softer like Fillion or someone edgy like Flanigan. In later case, he's the perfect match, IMHO! Of course they might wanna choose someone totally different but hey, we saw what happened to 'Rockford files' remake when they made the wrong choice of character. Let's hope these folks don't do the same mistake!
sweepsingle at 6:23pm 17th October 2010 the guy plays booth in "bones" needs to be drake
Tonya Jarrett at 1:23pm 17th October 2010 For Hire on film Uncharted: Drake's Fortune: Nathan Fillion, Journeyman actor. Previous experience in action film and television as leading man; Firefly, Serenity as Mal Reynolds. Sheriff Bill Pardy in the film Slither. Richard Castle on Castle. In short, the fans want Nathan Fillion as Nathan Drake!!
1. guest at 1:57am 18th October 2010 Fillion's fans, not 'the' fans. Some 'fans' would like other people to play the role!
SciFiFay at 7:54am 17th October 2010 Can't be anyone but Joe Flanigan. He looks like Nathan Drake. He has the talent, wit, and experience to play an action hero. Plus, he's good at the game! Joe Flanigan, Joe Flanigan, JOE FLANIGAN!!!!
Sam at 11:24pm 16th October 2010 I don't care who ends up playing Drathan, so long as they get Bruce Campbell to play Victor Sullivan. That would be amazing.
BizarreSubpar at 12:12pm 16th October 2010 I am for Fillion, and I think Flanigan would kill it too, but realistically, I'm guessing it will be someone slightly younger and more Hollywood friendly. Sam Worthington or the like.
@aqualegia at 9:06am 16th October 2010 Having seen the character in the game, the only person who is qualified to play the part is Joe Flanigan.
dioxholster at 6:49pm 15th October 2010 Joe Flanigan for Uncharted!!!!!!
Rena Dillman at 5:06pm 15th October 2010 Joe Flanigan is perfect. Fillion is too old.
Meschelle at 3:17pm 15th October 2010 Joe is absolutely the best fit. I liked Nathan in Firefly, but Castle is just sort of boring... I have watched Joe Flanigan for years and he is NEVER boring! He is the perfect fit for Nathan Drake!
Lexijo at 9:52am 15th October 2010 Joe Flanigan is perfect for this part. He looks like Nathan Drake, he's got the attitude, the charm, the following . . . if you haven't seen him in action, check out Stargate: Atlantis. GO JOE!!!
Guest at 9:13am 15th October 2010 Joe Flanigan is the one!!!
zusnn at 7:37am 15th October 2010 Wondered if this would be a good fit for Flanigan or Fillion. Went out and bought the game, had the nephew fire it up and... JF FTW.
dinabr at 1:42am 15th October 2010 Who do I think:? JOE FLANIGAN .
sagey at 12:59am 15th October 2010 I prefer Joe Flanigan but let them and others try out and sure Joe will get it...
mallory66352 at 12:43am 15th October 2010 Fillion for Drake!!!
Yvonne at 12:21am 15th October 2010 Nathan Fillion for DRAKE!!! He is the best Actor to play this Role. I wanna see this movie with Nathan!!!
joesmimi at 7:47pm 14th October 2010 I agree that Joe Flanigan would be best. Nathan is great but I don't see him in that role anymore. It has been a while since he was in Serenity and he has gotten a little soft. Besides, he is probably under contract with ABC to do Castle and they are not going to want to let him go. Remember how Pierce Brosnan had to wait to be James Bond because he was stuck in Remington Steele? Joe has the eyes, wit, physical body, hair, and if you watched Stargate Atlantis you will see him say "Oh, crap" plenty of times.
Lorr at 7:12pm 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan first, last and only!
Travis at 6:50pm 14th October 2010 NATHAN FILLION FOR NATHAN DRAKE!!!
Guest at 5:02pm 14th October 2010 I love Fillion in Castle and loved him in Firefly, but it's got to be Joe Flanigan as Nathan Drake. He's a fantastic dramatic actor whose already proven himself adept at action and humor. He's got the right look and physicality as well. I vote Joe!!
Teresa at 4:06pm 14th October 2010 Definitely Joe Flanigan would be an excellent choice. He has great screen presence, and looks like Drake in the game. Plus he's a great actor.
Tristel at 3:54pm 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan for the movie
Hilda at 3:47pm 14th October 2010 Absolutely Joe Flanigan...... He has the wit, charm, humor and a huge fan base
Carmen at 3:20pm 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan is definitely fitter for the part, one can see he's the outdoor kind of man, always active and restless. He has the wit, charm and subtle humour that would make the character memorable. Although I like Nathan Fillion, he appears to me a bit clumsy for this part, he lacks the edginess. So, Joe, no question about it!
Joan at 2:39pm 14th October 2010 I'm going to have to go with the lovely and talented Joe Flanigan.
Eq4bits at 2:30pm 14th October 2010 Has to be Joe Flanigan! As much as I adore Nathan Fillion (browncoats rule!) Joe is spot on for Drake. Go Joe!
Jennie at 2:29pm 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan would be perfect for the role of Drake. He looks just like him.
Melanie at 2:26pm 14th October 2010 I like both actors, but I think Nathan Drake would be played best by Joe Flanigan.
Tetshira at 2:14pm 14th October 2010 When I play the game - and boy do I play a lot!! - I always imagine its Joe who is Drake!
janjan72 at 2:07pm 14th October 2010 There is no question it's gotta be Joe Flanigan!! I hope the studio makes the right choice and contacts Joe pronto!! We need to see this supremely talented actor on the big screen!!
Meschelle at 2:06pm 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan all the way...sorry Fillion, but I just can't see it. Joe has the moves and the attitude to play the role of Nathan Drake. Anyone else would be a waste of film!
@taris_eirien at 2:05pm 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan!
freidag at 2:00pm 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan would be amazing in the role!
Amelia Dec at 1:57pm 14th October 2010 I'm torn here as these are two of my favourite actors. Would both bring unique skills to Nathan Drake. Nathan would bring that great wit ,charm and super timing and Joe would bring that hero/ antihero edge. However I think Joe would play this part superbly and lets be honest Nathan you are doing fantastically well with Castle. Spread the work around...
Christine at 1:56pm 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan all the way!
Linda at 1:53pm 14th October 2010 Absolutely Joe Flanigan...... He is the best man for the job and comes with many many fans
@Kazbaby at 1:53pm 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan for Nathan Drake! He already looks like the character.
karie at 11:41am 14th October 2010 Anyone who says Joe Flanigan doesn't have charm or charisma has obviously never seen him in anything or seen interviews with him. He is so easy to fall in love with. And he wouldn't need to buff up or get in shape as he already is. He's got all that plus sarcasm, wit and a great ability to show what he's feeling with just a look in those amazing eyes. And he's got the experience with action adventure. And he already has a huge fan base who would go see this movie only because he's in it. I would be in that category. Have no plans to see it otherwise. Go Joe!
@AtlantisJoeFan at 11:39am 14th October 2010 Definitely has to be Joe Flanigan. An action hero with charm, wit and strength!
@lizlou57 at 10:50am 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan for me - he has the charm, the wit and the ability to cope with the action. he may be older than Fillion, but he looks younger and is in good shape. Flanigan gets my vote!
Sherry at 10:38am 14th October 2010 Flanigan has the look for the role -just look at the hair. He also has the charm and wit. He would be perfect for this role.
richB. at 10:36am 14th October 2010 remember fillion works for ABC. If abc wants him in the movie thats what will happen.
Adam_Zed at 10:20am 14th October 2010 Shia LaBeouf! Oh wait, Spielberg isn't producing it.... And I'm just kidding! I'm all for Fillion, but I can see the studios going for someone younger and more A-List like Ryan Reynolds or Bradley Cooper. Jeremy Renner might be cool too. I like Flanigan- he has the look, the likability and the humor, but he doesn't have the roguish charm that Fillion does.
SeixoLady at 10:04am 14th October 2010 It's Joe Flanigan for me. He has the charisma, good looks and is well up to the humour and the action. Plus, I think he even looks like Nate! That ticks some boxes.
DestinyRko at 9:39am 14th October 2010 Fillion wouldn't suck, but Joe Flanigan would be just perfect!!
MJM at 9:27am 14th October 2010 I have a huge digi-crush on Nathan Drake and Joe Flanigan is the perfect choice to play him. His face, physique and wit are perfect for this role, Never mind that is hair already won the audition. Come on, put Flanigan and Fillian on either side of Drake's photo and take a good look. Love Fillian - but the only things he's got going for him for the role of Drake are his first name and his Firefly outfit!
Mimi at 9:19am 14th October 2010 Fillion is way too soft for this role. Drake needs an edge that Flanigan has in loads. Fillion's Castle role has ruined him for me for any serious role. Flanigan has both the dramatic and comedic ability to do justice to the part.
1. Adam_Zed at 10:23am 14th October 2010 I disagree. Not about the show Castle- that show sucks- but Fillion was a bad ass in Firefly and intense in Serenity, and he was suitably creepy as the fallen preacher in Buffy.
Tashira at 8:03am 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan! He has the style, the charm and the kick ass moves....oh and the Drake hair!!! Definitely Joe Flanigan!
Syble at 7:50am 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan would be best for this role. He even looks the part.
Guest at 7:49am 14th October 2010 Okay people, seriously, if you've played the uncharted games, its OBVIOUS that Drake is a complete copy off of Nathan Fillion. With a little make up and maybe a workout, he'll look exactly like he did in Firefly and he'd be perfect for this movie
Guest at 6:53am 14th October 2010 How about Nolan North, the voice actor that portrayed Nathan Drake? He's got the chiseled features, would probably only need to work out a little, and he sounds exactly like the character because he *is* the character. I wouldn't mind that.
Eduardo at 6:34am 14th October 2010 I recognize that Joe Flanigan and Nathan Fillion are the best options, but Nathan Fillion have the charisma that need Flanigan for that role. Sorry Flanigan, I choose Fillion for Nathan Drake.
btrktn at 6:14am 14th October 2010 Nathan Fillion for Nathan Drake 2010!! The ONLY choice!!!
Guest at 5:16am 14th October 2010 Joe Flanigan! :)
Sandra at 4:59am 14th October 2010 Nathan Fillion has the charm needed for the character that Joe Flanigan lacks. Not that I don't love the guy he just isn't as polished as this role needs. The maturity of Nathan beats Joe hands down. Nathan .... sigh!
Sandie at 2:13am 14th October 2010 Nathan Fillion! Always go with Nathan Fillion, he is the man
nicscifichick at 12:07am 14th October 2010 Much as I like Nathan Fillion, I think Joe Flanigan would be the right man for this job. He has the looks, the talent, and the fanbase that could make this film a success.
Adam_Zed at 10:47pm 13th October 2010 Nathan Fillion just deserves to be an A-list star. Not sure Uncharted will propel the star to A-list status but NATHAN FILLION FOR UNCHARTED!
Sofia at 10:01pm 13th October 2010 Nathan Fillion for Nathan Drake!
@Kcat10 at 9:22pm 13th October 2010 We want Nathan Fillion to be cast as Nathan Drake! Yes! NATHAN FILLION is the BEST choice to play Nathan Drake! He's got action hero written all over him, with the biceps to prove it. He's extremely bright, clever, funny, sexy, young, hot, and devilishly handsome. And he wants this role as much as we want it for him! It's his turn to be the next powerful leading man on the big screen. He's an up-and-coming A-List movie star with muscle and heat and he's a-comin' to take over feature films! I feel it! Grab him while you can for the Uncharted franchise. Because he'll also make the best Indiana Jones when they re-boot those movies!! In his campaign to be Nathan Drake, we Browncoats and Castillions firmly support our Captain Nathan Fillion!
rekws at 8:49pm 13th October 2010 Both are fine actors, both capable of the role, and I'd be okay with Fillion, but oh, my heart, The Flan. Sorry, Nathan, but Joe has it by a hair. Or, actually, several gazillion.
thatzombiedude at 8:22pm 13th October 2010 MALCOLM REYNOLDS AS NATHAN DRAKE!!! This needs to happen now, he has the same substance and twisted sense of humor that Drake exhibits throughout the games and should definitely be contacted by the studio
hachicritter at 8:16pm 13th October 2010 I'm voting Joe Flanigan, he's perfect for the part - and he says he's damn good at the game, too!
1. Kcat10 at 7:05pm 13th November 2010 This role belongs to Nathan Fillion. Let's make sure we do our part to help him get cast as Nathan Drake! Want to help? Keep reading: We Browncoats & Castillions are obeying @NathanFillion's Mission Directive: Campaign for him to be Nathan Drake! Here is Nathan's tweet: "If ever there was a Twitter campaign, let this be it. Rise, ye Browncoats. Rise, ye Castillions. RISE! http://j.mp/aEGe79 " Let him see that we have RISEN! Please write your desires in on each of the sites gathered here for you. Let's do everything in our power to help Nathan Fillion become the A-list leading man movie star he deserves to be! We all want to make very sure he is spared any more pain in his career such as he, and we, suffered with the demise of Firefly and Serenity. Let's steadfastly support him with our collective might, mind and strength. Show our Captain how beloved he truly is. We are Browncoats and Castillions. We have the power to put our Big Damn Hero up where he belongs, and keep him there. Thank you, and God bless you all for everything you do to help him. For those who might like an example of what to say, here's the essence of what I'm posting in the comments section of each site: "We want Nathan Fillion to be cast as Nathan Drake! Yes! NATHAN FILLION is the BEST choice to play Nathan Drake! He's got action hero written all over him, with the biceps to prove it. He's extremely handsome, bright, clever, sexy, hot, young and devilishly funny. And he wants this role as much as we want it for him! It's his turn to be the next powerful leading man on the big screen. We Browncoats and Castillions are determined to get him up where he belongs, and keep him there. He has single-handedly transformed the term "geek" into "sexgod." He's an up-and-coming A-list movie star with muscle and heat and he's a-comin' to take over feature films! I feel it! Grab him while you can for the Uncharted franchise. Because he'll also make the best Indiana Jones when they re-boot those movies!! In his campaign to be Nathan Drake, we Browncoats and Castillions rise up and firmly support our Captain Nathan Fillion!" Please go to this link for all 170 sites, and thank you!: http://tinyurl.com/2dn2pqz
d o o d at 7:51pm 13th October 2010 Nah he's rubbish!
1. degef at 9:21pm 15th October 2010 He's nor rubbish your rubbish d o o d!
  1. degef at 9:22pm 15th October 2010 not*
mew at 7:24pm 13th October 2010 FILLLION FOR DRAKE!!
Patrick at 6:42pm 13th October 2010 Fillion is the first named that popped in my head when they announced the Uncharted movie last week. He has the look and swagger of the Nathan Drake. Now I know people have said alot of things against him getting the part, mainly his age and the current shape he's in. Keep in mind that Harrison Ford was almost 40 when he first played Indiana Jones. As for what kind of shape fillion is in, the current show he is on calls for a good looking writer, not an action hero. I think Fillion would have no trouble getting into shape to do all the stunts that will be required for this movie.