Uncharted Movie: They Considered Filming The Epic Cargo Plane Fight In The Actual Sky

Uncharted movie director Ruben Fleischer has discussed one of the biggest set pieces of the recently released film, which is the cargo plane fight scene that is borrowed from Uncharted 3. Speaking to Deadline, Fleischer said when he first read the pages for this sequence, he had "no idea" how to shoot it.

Thankfully, it was based on a scene from Uncharted 3, so there was a reference point for it. But Fleischer still wondered how best to film it. He revealed that the team, at one point, considered filming some of it in an actual plane in the sky.

"We even at one point considered shooting some footage in mid-air, but the reality was that whole thing was shot in a parking lot and is far less glamorous than it would appear," Fleischer said.

Nathan Drake actor Tom Holland discussed the scene in a behind-the-scenes video, and despite filming it on the ground in a parking lot, it's very impressive to see how it all came together. Holland said it took five weeks of shooting to capture the sequence. "It was really scary, but I think that level of fear just makes that scene that much more authentic," Holland said, adding that it was the most challenging action sequence he's ever filmed.

Fleischer praised Holland for being an incredible stuntman who was convincing in his performance. Holland was wearing a harness and was swinging from boxes as high as 30 feet in the air.

"Being able to feature him in a close up as he's literally hanging on for dear life makes the sequence that much more exciting, so it's a credit to his prowess and athleticism that we were able to shoot that sequence," Fleischer said.

You can see how the final scene plays out in the video below.

Uncharted the movie is doing great at the box office, where it's made more than $130 million so far. Sony Pictures executive Tom Rothman said the film's success speaks to the appeal of the theatrical experience and that Uncharted is now a "franchise" for Sony, suggesting a sequel might be in the works.

In the Deadline interview, Fleischer said work has not yet begun on a sequel, but he would love to make one if he's given the opportunity. Fleischer has already said he wants to return to make another Uncharted movie and has expressed his desire to put Uncharted 4's car chase scene in it. Fleischer and Holland are also keen to make a Jak and Daxter movie for PlayStation Productions.