Nolan North discusses his readiness to return as Nathan Drake, while reflecting on Tom Holland’s portrayal in the Uncharted movie.

When it comes to iconic video game performances, few can match the legacy of Nolan North as Nathan Drake in the Uncharted series. For over a decade, North’s portrayal of the wise-cracking treasure hunter has been synonymous with gaming excellence, earning him countless accolades and a special place in fans’ hearts.

Nolan North at the GalaxyCon Richmond 2024. | Image Credit: John Manard / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

While Tom Holland may have brought Drake to the big screen, there’s something about North’s connection to the character that transcends the typical voice actor role. It’s a bond forged through years of motion capture sessions, emotional story beats, and the kind of chemistry that can’t be manufactured.

Now, with Naughty Dog venturing into new territories with their upcoming sci-fi epic Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, fans can’t help but wonder: could there still be room for one more adventure with the original Nathan Drake?

The voice that defined a generation of adventure

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The relationship between an actor and their signature role is always special, but Nolan North‘s connection to Drake goes beyond mere performance. In a rapid-fire Q&A session with GamesRadar+, the veteran voice actor made it clear that his time as Nathan Drake represents more than just another credit on his resume:

It’s very bittersweet. It was something that was very special to me. It was seriously the best job I’ve ever had. It opened doors, it made me a better actor. It is my big break, so to speak.

This sentiment becomes particularly poignant when considering how the Uncharted franchise has evolved over time.

While Tom Holland‘s portrayal in the film adaptation brought Drake to a new audience, it also raised questions about the character’s future in gaming. North himself addressed this complexity:

And that’s why I think the things about the films are always questionable. Because I’m an on-camera actor but possibly too old? But then they talk about Mark Wahlberg, who’s about my age, and it’s a complex situation.

Despite these changes, North’s enthusiasm for the role hasn’t diminished one bit. If anything, seeing Drake’s story continue in new forms has only strengthened his desire to return:

“I’m not happy that Uncharted’s ended, but if they said ‘Hey, we want to do Uncharted 5. Do you want to do Nathan Drake or should we ask somebody else?’ I’d be like ‘No, no!’”

This passion for the role runs deep, and while North continues to explore new horizons in gaming, Drake’s story clearly isn’t finished in his mind.

New adventures on different horizons

A scene from the _Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet_ announcement trailer. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog”

While fans eagerly await news of Drake’s potential return, North hasn’t been sitting idle. His latest role as Rocket Raccoon in Marvel Rivals showcases his continued ability to bring personality to every character he portrays. The free-to-play hero shooter launched December 6th, with North’s wise-cracking space raccoon quickly becoming a fan-favorite support hero.

Meanwhile, Naughty Dog seems focused on breaking new ground with Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, featuring another industry veteran, Troy Baker, in an undisclosed role. The sci-fi epic represents a bold new direction for the studio, but that doesn’t mean the door is completely closed on future Uncharted adventures.

As North himself put it:

But if they were gonna do another game… I’m not gonna be the guy holding out for more, I’m the guy who’s ready to suit up.

Whether or not we’ll see an Uncharted 5 remains uncertain, but one thing’s clear: if Nathan Drake ever decides to come out of retirement, his original voice is ready and waiting to guide him through one more adventure. And given the current trend of beloved franchises making unexpected comebacks, who’s to say we won’t see North donning that half-tucked henley one more time?

What do you think? Should Naughty Dog consider making Uncharted 5 with Nolan North, or is it time to let Nathan Drake enjoy his well-earned retirement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!