Daniel Craig, the suave former James Bond, has weighed in on Tom Cruise’s casting as Nathan Drake in the upcoming 2026 Uncharted film, where the action star will take on the challenge of hunting for the lost treasure of the infamous “pirate king” Henry Avery. Speaking to Variety on March 20, 2025, Craig offered a glowing assessment of Cruise’s fit for the role, blending his trademark dry wit with genuine excitement. “Tom’s a force of nature,” Craig said. “He’s got that relentless energy, that edge, and frankly, the guts to pull off something like Nathan Drake chasing down Henry Avery’s loot. It’s going to be a wild ride.” The endorsement from one of Hollywood’s most iconic action heroes adds a fresh layer of buzz to a project already stirring debate among fans of the beloved video game series.

Cruise’s confirmation as Drake, announced earlier this week by Sony Pictures, marks a bold reboot for Uncharted following the 2022 film with Tom Holland. That earlier adaptation, which grossed over $407 million, cast Holland as a youthful Drake hunting Ferdinand Magellan’s gold. But with Holland tied up in Spider-Man 4 and other projects through 2025, Sony pivoted to Cruise, now 62, envisioning an older, grizzled Drake tackling a new adventure. This time, the story draws from the rich lore of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, where Drake pursues the fabled treasure of Henry Avery—a real-life 17th-century pirate dubbed “The King of Pirates” for his audacious heists and mysterious disappearance with a fortune worth millions. Craig, a known gaming enthusiast, sees the shift as a stroke of genius. “Nathan’s not just some kid anymore—he’s a survivor, a bit battered, and Tom brings that weight,” he noted.

Henry Avery’s treasure forms the backbone of this cinematic quest. History remembers Avery as a naval officer turned pirate who, in 1695, led a daring raid on the Ganj-i-sawai, a Mughal ship laden with gold and jewels, netting a haul estimated at £600,000—over $100 million today. Unlike most pirates, Avery vanished with his riches, evading capture and leaving behind a legend that inspired Uncharted 4’s tale of Libertalia, a pirate utopia turned deadly trap. In the new film, directed by Doug Liman, Cruise’s Drake will reportedly navigate a gauntlet of booby-trapped caves and crumbling ships to unearth Avery’s hoard, a challenge that plays to Cruise’s strengths. “Tom hanging off cliffs, dodging explosions—that’s his bread and butter,” Craig quipped. “Avery’s treasure is the perfect excuse to push him to the limit.”

Craig’s comments reflect a personal connection to the material. Having starred in the 007 video game adaptations and expressed fondness for Uncharted’s blend of history and heroics, he sees parallels between Cruise and Drake. “They’re both driven, a bit reckless, and damn good at getting out of tight spots,” he said. “Tom’s got that same spark you feel when you’re playing as Nate—always one step ahead of disaster.” The actor even hinted at his own near-miss with the role, laughing, “I’d have loved a crack at it, but Tom’s the man for this. He’ll make it his own.” Their shared history—Craig faced off against Cruise in 2006’s Mission: Impossible III—lends an extra layer of camaraderie to his praise.

The casting has sparked a mixed response. Fans on X are split, with some hailing Cruise’s action pedigree—“He’ll climb Avery’s ship like it’s the Burj Khalifa!”—while others lament his age or pine for Nathan Fillion, a longtime fan favorite. The 2022 film’s lighter tone left some craving the games’ grittier Drake, and Cruise’s take promises to deliver. Early leaks suggest a plot steeped in Avery’s mythos: Drake, years after his last adventure, is lured back by a cryptic clue to Libertalia, racing against a ruthless rival—possibly Rafe Adler from the game—to claim the treasure. Whether Mark Wahlberg returns as Sully remains unconfirmed, but Cruise’s stunt-driven approach could redefine the franchise.

As Tesla’s woes—recalls, protests, and a stock plunge—dominate headlines, Hollywood is banking on Cruise to deliver a blockbuster escape. Craig, for one, is sold. “Tom’s not just playing Drake—he’s living it,” he said. “Avery’s treasure is out there on screen, and he’s the guy to find it.” With production underway and a 2026 release looming, the world waits to see if Cruise can unearth Uncharted’s next golden moment—or if Avery’s curse claims another seeker. For now, Craig’s vote of confidence sets the stage for a treasure hunt worth watching.