‘Uncharted’ is an adventure film directed by Ruben Fleischer (‘Zombieland’) which is based on the popular video game series of the same name. The film adaptation follows Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) as he embarks on a quest to find the long-lost treasure of Magellan’s expedition. The high-octane action flick makes various references to real-world locations and events while creating a stereotypical yet entertaining ride.
In his quest, Drake receives help from Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg), who quickly becomes a mentor figure for the young treasure hunter. Sully’s charismatic personality, scavenger hunt knowledge, and connections are sure to have viewers wondering if the character is based on a real person. If you are curious to know more about the same, here is everything you need to know!
Is Victor “Sully” Sullivan based on a real treasure hunter?
No, Victor “Sully” Sullivan is not based on a real treasure hunter. The character in the film is based on the video game character of the same name created by Naughty Dog. In the games, Sully serves as a mentor to Drake and is a seasoned fortune hunter himself. He becomes Drake’s business partner and often arranges funds for Drake’s expeditions despite being constantly short of cash. Sully is known for his signature mustache, guayabera-style shirt with khaki pants, and habit of smoking cigars.
Based on Sully’s characterization, it’s not easy to deduce if any real-world characters vaguely inspire the character. Additionally, the creators of the games have not commented on the matter either. The personality of Sully’s partner, Nathan Drake, is said to be inspired by daredevil Johnny Knoxville and actor Harrison Ford. Drake is believed to be related to British explorer Sir Francis Drake. However, unlike Drake, Sully comes across as a creation of the creator’s imagination.
A major influence on the “Uncharted” franchise is adventure stories such as “Indiana Jones” and “The Adventures of Tintin.” It’s no surprise, then, that Sully’s character is almost entirely fictional. After all, mentors and benefactors are common archetypes in such stories. Therefore, it’s likely that Sully was created with the narrative needs of sketching Nathan Drake’s adventure-themed stories in mind.
Additionally, the creators of the games stated that the secondary characters were created to highlight various sides of Nathan Drake’s personality. Therefore, it’s understandable that Sully is a fictional character meant to emphasize the main character’s need for a mentor figure and a strong guide. At the same time, Sully’s secrets also create a deception for Drake, which prevents him from trusting his partner.
Ultimately, Sully is a fictional character who has captured the hearts of audiences with his secret plans, penchant for surprises, and affection for the protagonist. Mark Wahlberg’s turn as a veteran treasure hunter is entertaining and helps form the film’s emotional core. Sully’s relationship with Drake is a high point of the film adaptation and is fueled by the chemistry between the actors.
Read more: Where was Uncharted filmed?
