David O. Russell's tenure as potential director for Sony's film adaptation of its hit Uncharted game franchise has been fraught with highs and lows. Fans seemed to find his selection curious, though generally welcome, given his pedigree as a filmmaker. Then, he made the mistake of telling everyone what the movie he was going to make actually was.
His vision of a "family-based drama" featuring Mark Wahlberg as hero Nathan Drake, and his family of rare artifact dealers--including, of all people, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci--didn't exactly jive with what fans were looking for. Plus, there's his tempestuous personality to account for. Hiring the man who famously turned the seemingly unflappable George Clooney into a face-punching lunatic, and felt it necessary to call Lily Tomlin, of all people, a c-word that refers to a woman's lady parts, didn't exactly seem like a formula for getting a movie made in a calm and orderly fashion.
Those suspicions were heightened when he reportedly backed out of the project last year, but then in October he opted to sign on to write and direct the Uncharted film of his, and nobody else's, desire. Until today, that is.
Indeed, Russell is once again out as Uncharted's director. Current reports suggest he may have avoided getting into any verbal and/or physical brawls with those involved in the movie, and just found another project he'd rather work on. Supposedly, he'll be working on a film called The Silver Linings Playbook, and also may be taking star Mark Wahlberg with him for this one, which would leave the role of Nathan Drake open for the taking.
Now seems like a great time to start up your letter-writing campaign for Nathan Fillion again. Or hey, why not really throw everyone for a loop and actually cast Nolan North? I feel like he's earned it, at this point.