Tom Holland, known for his role as Nathan Drake in Sony’s “Uncharted,” revealed the extensive training he underwent to prepare for the physically demanding role. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Holland discussed the challenges and dedication required to portray an action-hero character like Nathan Drake.
Holland mentioned that he realized the physical disparity between himself and his co-star, Mark Wahlberg, who plays Victor “Sully” Sullivan, just before the film’s shooting was set to begin. During a five-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he focused solely on his training to match Wahlberg’s physicality. He humorously added, “I’m glad I did because I think it would have looked slightly odd. I would have looked like one of his biceps.”
The actor also reflected on his initial exposure to the “Uncharted” video game while shooting “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and how he never imagined he would eventually portray Nathan Drake on the big screen.
When asked about the addictive nature of action scenes, Holland noted that it’s not only about his personal preference but also about creating an immersive experience for the audience. He highlighted the importance of elevating action sequences to make them more exciting and impressive for fans.
Additionally, Holland discussed the challenge of portraying “the cool guy” as Nathan Drake, which contrasted with his previous roles where he often played outsiders or characters who didn’t fit the “cool kid” stereotype. Adapting to this different persona was a learning curve for him.
While awaiting the release of the next Spider-Man sequel, which has been delayed due to SAG-AFTRA strikes, Tom Holland’s dedication to his craft and willingness to undergo intense training for his roles continue to impress both fans and industry insiders.