Actor Nolan North confirmed during a stage appearance at Gamergy in Puerto Rico that he wants to reprise his role as Nathan Drake. The latest Nolan North Uncharted discussions surfaced after fans asked whether the long-running PlayStation adventure could ever return. While Sony hasn’t announced a sequel, North stated that he would gladly step into the booth if studio executives decide to back a new production [3].
Nolan North Backs New Uncharted Sequel
Speaking during a panel at Gamergy (an esports and gaming event in Puerto Rico), North gave an unambiguous reply when asked if he would return to the role. He answered with “110 percent, absolutely,” making it clear that he hasn’t moved on from the franchise [3]. Nathan Drake defined North’s career for years.
North pointed out that any sequel depends on business decisions rather than reluctance from the creative team, adding that a fifth entry would generate massive public interest if PlayStation leadership decides to fund development. In his view, the path forward is straightforward: “It just depends if Sony wants to make money” [1]. That remark captured the mood of the room, as fans cheered his willingness to sign on for another installment.
The voice actor explained that he still keeps hope alive even though he hasn’t received any phone calls from studio executives about reviving the project. Video game production is a business driven by budgets, release windows, and developer capacity, but North believes an official reveal would dominate industry headlines across the world. During the panel, North shared his thoughts about a comeback: “I always keep out hope. I haven’t heard anything, but, you know, it is a business, and my god, can you imagine if they did? I mean, it would be the biggest announcement in gaming. And I don’t think that’s hyperbole. I think that’s true” [3]. That enthusiasm shows he still loves the world of Nathan Drake.
Rumors Point to Shaun Escayg Project
The actor’s comments arrive as rumors circulate that Naughty Dog is developing a new chapter in the series, following reports that Shaun Escayg, director of Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, is heading a project that isn’t connected to The Last of Us [3]. Fans took note because Escayg previously proved his ability to guide the series into fresh territory without losing its core charm.
Online insider NateTheHate later claimed that Escayg’s team is focused on an Uncharted project rather than a brand-new IP, while outlet MP1st added that Nathan Drake should return in some capacity if the project advances [3]. Unless the studio recasts the lead role, North is the natural candidate to play Drake again. Fans view his voice as inseparable from the character.
While Sony hasn’t confirmed a fifth mainline adventure, Naughty Dog confirmed it has multiple games in development, including Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet as its next big launch [5]. With separate creative groups operating under one roof, the studio can build a science-fiction world while exploring new ideas for treasure hunting.
Avoiding Past Missteps from Indiana Jones
Despite his eagerness to return, North acknowledged that reviving a classic series carries creative risks that developers must navigate with care, warning that Naughty Dog shouldn’t rush out a sequel simply to capitalize on nostalgia if the story lacks genuine depth [5]. Drawing a direct parallel to cinema, North said, “You just don’t want to make a Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”. That comparison struck a chord with gamers who remember how the fourth Indiana Jones movie divided audiences.
North wants any future release to protect the high storytelling reputation built over four mainline entries, noting that longtime players expect thoughtful character arcs and thrilling action set pieces rather than repeated formulas [5]. A sequel needs compelling narrative reasons to pull Nathan Drake out of retirement.
To ensure he can handle the physical requirements of motion capture if Sony calls, North continues to take care of his personal conditioning, knowing that performing stunts and action scenes demands flexibility and good stamina during lengthy soundstage shoots [5]. North joked about keeping himself ready for an unexpected phone call: “You know, I try to stay in shape, just in case”. He doesn’t want physical readiness to stand in the way of a comeback.
Nathan Drake Legacy After A Thief’s End
It has now been ten years since 2016’s Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End concluded Drake’s globetrotting adventures [4]. The classic Nolan North Uncharted adventures gave players memorable set pieces across four numbered entries, but the fourth chapter ended on a quiet note that seemed to close the book on future treasure hunts. Even so, the gaming industry often finds ways to continue popular sagas when audience interest stays strong.
That decade-long gap opens up intriguing story possibilities without erasing previous character growth, allowing writers to place the focus on Drake’s daughter, Cassie, while Nathan acts as an experienced mentor who passes the torch to a younger explorer [5]. Similar discussions about returning leads follow gaming trends, such as when Final Fantasy 7 Revelation kept Cloud as lead protagonist during its own production planning.
Looking back on his journey with Naughty Dog, North spoke fondly about the creative partnerships that shaped the games, explaining that he spent a decade working with writers and directors who built the franchise into a cornerstone of PlayStation history [5]. Summing up his experience, North said, “It was 10 years of work with good friends, good people, a great developer”. Those shared memories explain why he is still eager to collaborate again.
Will Nolan North Return for Uncharted?
Can Sony justify funding another blockbuster chapter after a ten-year hiatus? The decision to fund another installment rests on financial profit calculations, studio schedules, and resource allocation across PlayStation’s global portfolio, where developing a premium story-driven title takes massive teams and several years of sustained effort [3]. Finding the right balance between cost and creative ambition will determine whether the series returns.
From North’s perspective, there is no ambiguity about his willingness to work with Naughty Dog again. When asked if there was any circumstance under which he would refuse to play Nathan Drake, North gave a clear answer that thrilled longtime followers by explaining that his attachment to the character is unwavering [2]. “I can’t see a scenario that I would say no,” he explained. That loyalty gives Sony a reliable foundation if production starts.
For now, neither Sony nor Naughty Dog has confirmed any official plans for a fifth game. The enduring public interest in Nolan North Uncharted projects shows that audiences still care about Nathan Drake and his daring escapades. Whether a new game enters production soon or stays an unconfirmed rumor, North has made his willingness clear to anyone at Sony who wants to listen [3].
- ONLINE NEWS Push Square. (2026, October 6). Nolan North would ‘110%’ return for Nathan Drake in a new Uncharted game. [Article Link]
- ONLINE NEWS Video Games Chronicle. (2026, October 6). Nolan North says he’s ‘110%’ up for playing Nathan Drake in a new Uncharted game, ‘if Sony wants to make money’. [Article Link]
- ONLINE NEWS Harradence, M. (2026, October 6). Nolan North would ‘absolutely’ return as Nathan Drake for a new Uncharted game. PlayStation Universe. [Article Link]
- ONLINE NEWS GameSpot News. (2026, October 6). Amid Uncharted 5 rumors, Nathan Drake actor says he would come back, but with one catch. [Article Link]
- ONLINE NEWS Phillips, T. (2026, October 6). ‘You just don’t want to make a Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’: Nolan North is staying in shape just in case Sony calls about Uncharted 5. IGN. [Article Link]
