In a recent interview that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, Henry Cavill, the brooding star known for his iconic portrayal of Superman and Geralt of Rivia, couldn’t hold back his excitement about Tom Cruise’s upcoming role as Nathan Drake in the highly anticipated return of Uncharted, slated for release in 2026. The British actor, who has long been a fan favorite for action-packed roles, took a moment to share his unfiltered thoughts on what he considers a casting decision for the ages. “This is the pinnacle of casting,” Cavill declared, his enthusiasm palpable. “Cruise and Drake are very similar in many ways—it’s almost uncanny how perfectly they align.”

The Uncharted franchise, originally a beloved PlayStation video game series, first hit the big screen in 2022 with Tom Holland stepping into the shoes of the charming, quick-witted treasure hunter Nathan Drake. While Holland’s youthful energy brought a fresh take to the character, rumors of a new direction for the series began swirling shortly after the film’s success. Fast forward to now, and the announcement that Tom Cruise, the ageless action legend behind Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, would take over the role has sparked a frenzy of speculation and debate. For Cavill, however, there’s no question that this is a match made in Hollywood heaven.

Cavill, speaking on a popular entertainment podcast, elaborated on why he believes Cruise is the ideal fit. “Look at Nathan Drake as a character—he’s daring, he’s charismatic, he’s got this relentless drive to push through impossible odds,” he explained. “Now think about Tom Cruise. The man’s been defying gravity—literally and figuratively—for decades. He’s hanging off planes, jumping out of helicopters, running at full speed in every movie. That’s Nathan Drake energy right there.” The actor went on to draw parallels between Cruise’s real-life persona and Drake’s fictional bravado, pointing out that both share an almost superhuman commitment to their craft and an undeniable charm that keeps audiences hooked.

The decision to bring Cruise into the fold for Uncharted’s 2026 return has been a polarizing one among fans. Some argue that Holland’s youthful exuberance captured the essence of a younger Drake, while others feel Cruise’s seasoned intensity could elevate the character into a new chapter of his adventurous life. Cavill, for his part, seems firmly in the latter camp. “Tom brings a gravitas to the role that’s going to surprise people,” he said. “He’s not just an action star—he’s a storyteller. You feel every punch, every leap, every narrow escape. That’s what Nathan deserves.” Cavill even hinted at the possibility of a more mature storyline for the film, suggesting that Cruise’s Drake might be a battle-hardened veteran reflecting on his past while facing one final, epic quest.

Behind the scenes, the production team has remained tight-lipped about the plot, but whispers of a larger-than-life adventure have begun to leak. Industry insiders speculate that the 2026 installment could see Cruise’s Drake tackling a globe-spanning mystery tied to ancient artifacts, with stunts that push the boundaries of what’s physically possible—something the star is no stranger to. Cavill, who has his own history of jaw-dropping action sequences, couldn’t resist gushing about Cruise’s dedication. “I’ve heard he’s already training for some insane set pieces,” he revealed. “The guy’s in his 60s, and he’s out there doing things I’d think twice about in my 30s. It’s inspiring.”

For fans of the Uncharted games, the casting shift raises questions about how closely the film will stick to the source material. Nathan Drake, as originally envisioned by Naughty Dog, is a roguish everyman with a knack for improvisation—a role Cruise has arguably perfected in his Ethan Hunt persona. Cavill acknowledged the comparisons, noting, “There’s a thread of that same reckless heroism in both characters. Tom’s going to bring that to life in a way that honors the game while making it his own.” He also teased the possibility of a cameo from Holland, suggesting a passing-of-the-torch moment that could bridge the two iterations of the character.

As the release date inches closer, the buzz around Uncharted continues to grow, fueled in no small part by Cavill’s glowing endorsement. Whether Cruise can silence the skeptics and deliver a Nathan Drake that lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but if Cavill’s words are any indication, audiences are in for a treat. “Mark my words,” he concluded with a grin, “this is going to be one for the history books.”