Nolan North says Uncharted is different from other video game franchises because Nathan Drake grows and ages unlike Super Mario or Lara Croft

March 28, 2026 - 23:56

Nolan North, the iconic voice behind adventurer Nathan Drake, has highlighted a key element he believes sets the Uncharted franchise apart from its peers: genuine character growth. In a recent discussion, North contrasted Drake's journey with other legendary video game figures, noting that unlike perpetual heroes such as Super Mario or even a consistently youthful Lara Croft, Nathan Drake is allowed to age and mature significantly across his adventures.

North emphasized that this narrative arc, spanning from a brash fortune hunter to a seasoned and responsible family man, provides a depth rarely seen in the genre. He credited the series' writers and developers for crafting a story where the characters, including supporting figures like Victor Sullivan, are fundamentally changed by their experiences. This focus on human evolution and consequence, according to North, fosters a stronger connection with the audience.

The actor reflected that portraying Drake's journey over more than a decade was a unique privilege, allowing him to explore a wide emotional range as the character faced loss, love, and the weight of his choices. This commitment to character development, he argues, is a cornerstone of the series' enduring appeal and emotional resonance, offering a more cinematic and mature storytelling experience within the action-adventure framework.