Henry Cavill, the chiseled star known for his turns as Superman and Geralt of Rivia, has thrown his enthusiastic support behind Tom Cruise’s casting as Nathan Drake in the upcoming 2026 live-action Uncharted film. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly on March 20, 2025, Cavill didn’t hold back his admiration, calling the decision “the pinnacle of casting” and drawing striking parallels between Cruise and the iconic video game hero. The announcement of Cruise’s role, confirmed just days ago by Sony Pictures, has already sent shockwaves through the gaming and film communities, and Cavill’s endorsement—rooted in his own fandom of the Uncharted series—adds fuel to the hype surrounding this bold reboot of the franchise.

Cruise’s confirmation as Nathan Drake marks a significant pivot for Uncharted on the big screen. Following the 2022 film starring Tom Holland, which depicted a younger Drake and earned over $407 million globally, Sony has shifted gears. Holland’s commitments to Spider-Man 4 and a Christopher Nolan project through 2025 left Uncharted 2 in limbo, prompting the studio to reimagine the saga with Cruise, now 62, stepping into the role of an older, battle-scarred treasure hunter. The move has divided fans—some cheer the casting of a seasoned action star, while others question whether Cruise can embody the scruffy, wisecracking charm of the character originally voiced by Nolan North. For Cavill, however, the choice is a masterstroke. “Cruise and Drake are very similar in many ways,” he told EW. “They’ve got that relentless drive, that physicality, and an ability to turn chaos into triumph. This is going to be something special.”

Cavill’s perspective carries weight. A self-professed gamer, he’s long been vocal about his love for the Uncharted series, once even hinting he’d have loved to play Drake himself. At 41, Cavill’s rugged charisma and action-hero credentials—he famously performed his own stunts in Mission: Impossible – Fallout alongside Cruise—make him a natural fit for the role in many fans’ eyes. Yet, he’s gracious about passing the torch. “Tom’s the perfect guy for this,” Cavill said. “He brings an intensity and a showmanship that’s pure Nathan Drake. The way he throws himself into every challenge—it’s like watching the game come to life.” The two actors share a history, having bonded over their grueling stunt work in 2018, and Cavill’s comments suggest a deep respect for Cruise’s ability to channel Drake’s daredevil spirit.

The new Uncharted film, helmed by Doug Liman and slated for 2026, promises a fresh take, potentially adapting the high-octane thrills of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves or Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. While plot details remain under wraps, insiders hint at a story that leans into Drake’s later years—think Uncharted 4’s reflective tone—showcasing a veteran adventurer facing one last score. Cruise, renowned for scaling the Burj Khalifa and clinging to planes in the Mission: Impossible series, seems tailor-made for the role’s physical demands, from crumbling ruins to rooftop chases. Cavill agrees: “Nathan’s not just about quips—he’s a survivor, a guy who pushes past the impossible. Tom’s lived that on screen for decades.”

The casting comes at a fraught moment for Hollywood. Tesla’s recent scandals—recalls of 46,096 Cybertrucks, protests over Elon Musk’s political ties, and an $800 billion market value drop—have overshadowed other news, leaving studios like Sony hungry for a win. Cruise’s Uncharted could be that lifeline, marrying his box-office clout with a beloved IP. Yet, not everyone’s sold. Posts on X reveal a split fanbase: “Cruise as Drake is genius—Cavill’s right, he’s got the grit,” one user wrote, while another countered, “Henry should’ve been Drake. Cruise is too polished for Nate’s messiness.” The debate echoes the 2022 film’s reception, where Holland’s youthful take drew praise but left some longing for the games’ weathered hero.

Cavill, for his part, remains optimistic. “This isn’t about replacing anyone—it’s a new lens on a legend,” he said, nodding to Holland’s stint. He even teased the possibility of a cameo, joking, “Maybe I’ll be the guy Drake punches in a bar fight.” As production ramps up, Cruise’s training regimen—already underway, per set leaks—hints at a spectacle that could silence doubters. With Cavill’s stamp of approval, the stage is set for a clash of charisma and chaos in 2026. Whether Cruise can truly embody Nathan Drake or merely mimic him, one thing’s clear: Hollywood’s watching, and the treasure hunt is on.