In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Naughty Dog, the acclaimed studio behind The Last of Us and the Uncharted series, has officially confirmed that Uncharted 5 is in development as of March 28, 2025. The announcement, made during a surprise livestream hosted by co-president Neil Druckmann, not only revives a franchise many thought was concluded but also introduces a jaw-dropping twist: a new character named Tom Cruise. Yes, you read that right—the character shares the name of the Hollywood icon, though Naughty Dog has been coy about whether this is a deliberate nod to the Mission: Impossible star or a cheeky coincidence. With the game slated for the PlayStation 5 and a potential PC release, fans are already speculating wildly about what this means for the beloved treasure-hunting saga.

The Uncharted series, which began with Drake’s Fortune in 2007, has been a cornerstone of PlayStation’s legacy, blending cinematic storytelling with pulse-pounding action. Its fourth mainline entry, A Thief’s End (2016), seemed to close the book on Nathan Drake’s adventures, giving the charismatic protagonist a well-earned retirement alongside Elena and their daughter, Cassie. A standalone expansion, The Lost Legacy (2017), shifted focus to Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross, proving the franchise could thrive without Drake. Yet, in 2023, Druckmann declared Naughty Dog was “done” with Uncharted, turning the studio’s attention to The Last of Us and a new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, unveiled in December 2024. So, what changed? According to Druckmann, it was a mix of fan demand, a fresh creative spark, and a desire to “push the boundaries of what Uncharted can be.”

Details about Uncharted 5 are scarce, but the livestream offered tantalizing hints. The game will not center on Nathan Drake, whose story Druckmann reiterated is “complete.” Instead, it introduces Tom Cruise, described as “a roguish adventurer with a mysterious past and a knack for defying the odds.” Voiced by an as-yet-unnamed actor—though fans are clamoring for Nolan North to return in some capacity—Cruise is said to operate in the same treasure-hunting world as Drake, but with a distinct flavor. “Think high-stakes action, a touch of humor, and a lot of heart,” Druckmann teased, adding that the character’s name was chosen “for fun” and isn’t tied to the real Tom Cruise, despite inevitable comparisons to the actor’s stunt-heavy film roles. The setting remains under wraps, though concept art flashed during the stream showed lush jungles and ancient ruins, suggesting a return to the series’ globe-trotting roots.

The announcement comes at a curious time for Naughty Dog. With Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet still years away and The Last of Us Part III confirmed as a future project, the studio’s plate is full. Yet, Druckmann framed Uncharted 5 as a passion project, one that’s been in pre-production since late 2023, running parallel to other efforts. Rumors of a collaboration with Bend Studio, known for Uncharted: Golden Abyss, have surfaced, though Naughty Dog insists it’s leading the charge, with support from Sony’s Visual Arts group. The game promises to leverage the PS5’s power, with “next-level visuals” and gameplay innovations building on The Lost Legacy’s semi-open-world design. “We’re not just rehashing the past,” Druckmann said. “This is Uncharted for a new era.”

Fan reactions on X have been a rollercoaster. Some hail the return of Uncharted as a triumph, with one user posting, “Tom Cruise in Uncharted 5? Naughty Dog just won 2025 already.” Others are skeptical, questioning the name choice—“Is this a joke or a lawsuit waiting to happen?”—or worrying it dilutes the franchise’s identity. The real Tom Cruise, meanwhile, has stayed silent, though his 2022 Uncharted film co-star Tom Holland cheekily tweeted, “Guess I’ve got competition now!” The nod to Holland’s Nathan Drake role adds another layer of intrigue, especially with a sequel to that movie in development.

For longtime fans, the absence of Drake stings, but Naughty Dog’s track record inspires cautious optimism. The Lost Legacy showed Chloe could carry a game, and this Tom Cruise character might follow suit. Speculation is rife about connections to the broader Uncharted universe—could he cross paths with Sam Drake or Sully?—but the studio is keeping its cards close. What’s clear is that Uncharted 5 aims to surprise, blending the series’ signature thrills with a bold new face. No release date was given, though a 2027 window seems plausible given Naughty Dog’s meticulous pace.

As the dust settles on this bombshell, one thing is certain: Uncharted 5 has reignited a flame many thought extinguished. Whether Tom Cruise—fictional or otherwise—can live up to the legacy of Nathan Drake remains to be seen, but Naughty Dog’s gamble has the gaming world watching. For now, the hunt is back on, and it’s shaping up to be one wild ride.