David O'Russell Ditches Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

ShowBlitz has news that David O'Russell (The Fighter, Three Kings) has exited Sony's Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. David was set to write and direct the video game adaptation which he had Mark Wahlberg, Scarlett Johansson, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in mind for the leads. It's unknown if O'Russell's script will end up being used or if the film will still move forward. Currently O'Russell had mentioned many other films in the works that included Cocaine Cowboys and a sequel to The Fighter.

David O'Russell Might Direct Cocaine Cowboys

ThePlaylist reports that David O'Russell (Fighter, Uncharted) could end up directing the long in development film Cocaine Cowboys. Mark Wahlberg has been producing the project for years and could star.  Leonardo DiCaprio was previously rumored to be involved with the project but nothing was confirmed. I'd love to see DiCaprio and Wahlberg in the leads.

The true life story inspired both Miami Vice and Scarface. "In the 1980s, ruthless Colombian cocaine barons invaded Miami with a brand of violence unseen in this country since Prohibition-era Chicago - and it put the city on the map. "Cocaine Cowboys" is the true story of how Miami became the drug, murder and cash capital of the United States, told by the people who made it all happen." The film will focus on the infamous American drug trafficers Jon Roberts and Micky Munday. Peter Berg (Hancock) had been attached previously to direct but has focused on Battleship instead.

David O'Russell Wants Scarlett Johansson For Uncharted

During an interview with Empire the Oscar nominated director was asked about his upcoming action film Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. While Empire suggested Amy Adams, David mentioned Scarlett Johansson for the role of journalist Elena. It seems like a perfect fit as Johansson is going to gather a lot of heat from her role in Avengers . She was also expected to star in Pride & Prejudice & Zombies when O'Russell was on board to direct.

Mark Wahlberg is set to play Drake while Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are still mentioned for having roles in the film.

Mike White Not Directing Pride & Prejudice & Zombies

Deadline reports that Mike White has dropped out as director for Pride & Prejudice & Zombies. This is the second director who left the production. This time it's a contract conflict as White is obligated to work for HBO during Lionsgate's production timetable for the film.

The casting could also be in jeopardy as Anne Hathaway had been in talks along with James McAvoy to star in the movie. Anne is now starring in The Dark Knight Rises and might not be able to commit. Previously David O'Russell (The Fighter, Three Kings) was expected to direct Scarlett Johansson and Bradley Cooper in it before they all dropped out. Natalie Portman who was originally set to star is still producing.

Mark Wahlberg Confirmed For Uncharted, De Niro & Pesci Offered Roles

Mark Wahlberg has confirmed to MTV during an interview that he has been cast in David O'Russell's Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. The actor nd writer/director just worked together on The Fighter which is already gathering Oscar buzz for the two along with Christian Bale who co-stars. I had Wahlberg pegged for the role as soon as O'Russell came on board to direct. I'd like to think we'll be getting a more Three Kings type of action romp from the director. Let's hope the curse of video game films will be lifted with this decent sounding one. It's expected the films could spawn into trilogy if the first one is a successful enough.


Wahlberg also confirmed previous rumors of roles being offered to Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. While they haven't signed on the roles are being written just for them. De Niro would play Drake's father and Pesci his uncle. It would be amazing to see the two work together again since the last time was Casino.

David O'Russell To Officially Direct Uncharted

Sony has announced today that David O'Russell has been hired to direct their adaptation of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. He'll also be given the task of beefing up Kyle Ward's script. While most video films haven't been too successful I think Russell might be good enough to pull this off. The video game series itself is pretty cinematic and doesn't have the mystical creatures that could be pitfalls (Resident Evil). O'Russell had been rumored for the job back in May but hasn't been confirmed until now. The game follows Drake a modern Harrison Ford (think Solo not Indy) type treasure hunter.





David O'Russell is sort of touch and go while he seems to be able to handle action and drama. Not so much when it comes to full on comedy so hopefully this won't be a straight up comedic adventure film. I do have to admit to enjoying Three Kings (another treasure hunting film) and I'm looking forward to The Fighter which was going to be directed by Darren Aronofsky (now producing). It's expected Sony will be trying to make a trilogy of the series so if this one does well there will be more films. When it comes to casting now that O'Russell is on board I wouldn't be suprised if Mark Wahlberg ends up in the Drake role. The two have worked together on three projects previously. Let's just hope this ends up better than Max Payne did