Sony Pictures has officially confirmed that “Uncharted 2” is in development, potentially paving the way for Tom Holland to break his own non-Marvel box office record. The announcement came from Sony executive Steven O’Dell during the company’s presentation at the 2024 CineEurope trade show, though details about the cast’s return remain unconfirmed.
The first “Uncharted” film, released in February 2022, proved to be a significant success despite mixed reviews from critics. The video game adaptation grossed an impressive $407 million worldwide on a $120 million budget, becoming the fifth-highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time. This success came despite challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, making the film’s performance even more noteworthy.
For Tom Holland, “Uncharted” currently stands as his highest-grossing non-Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film. If he returns for the sequel, “Uncharted 2” could potentially surpass this record, further cementing Holland’s star power outside of his iconic Spider-Man role.
The development of “Uncharted 2” represents a significant opportunity for Holland to establish a strong non-MCU franchise. His previous attempt at launching a franchise outside Marvel, “Chaos Walking,” struggled both critically and commercially, earning only $27 million against a $100 million budget. In contrast, “Uncharted” has proven its potential as a viable franchise starter.
While the return of Holland and his co-star Mark Wahlberg has not been officially confirmed, their involvement seems crucial for the sequel’s success. Wahlberg hinted at his potential return earlier this year, saying he was told to “start growing your mustache” in preparation for reprising his role as Victor Sullivan.
The story for “Uncharted 2” could potentially explore plot threads set up in the first film’s ending. This includes the revelation that Nathan Drake’s brother, Sam, is still alive and imprisoned, as well as the introduction of a new character named Gage who is interested in Nate’s ring linked to Sir Francis Drake. These elements suggest a more personal and adventurous treasure hunt for the sequel.
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As development on “Uncharted 2” progresses, fans and industry observers will be keenly watching for announcements regarding the cast and creative team. The sequel’s performance could not only potentially break Holland’s non-MCU box office record but also solidify “Uncharted” as a major film franchise for Sony Pictures.
For now, those interested in revisiting the first installment can find “Uncharted” streaming on Hulu, as anticipation builds for this newly confirmed sequel.
