Unmade Uncharted Writer Didn’t Hold Back Against Neil Druckmann for ‘Stealing’ Amy Hennig’s Idea in Explosive Claim 

The gaming industry is no stranger to behind-the-scenes drama, but few controversies have sparked as much debate as the internal shake-ups at Naughty Dog during the transition between The Last of Us and Uncharted 4. While the studio has delivered hit after hit, the path to success hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

A Hollywood writer’s previous candid interview about his scrapped vision for the Uncharted movie has reignited discussions about one of gaming’s most contentious periods. His words not only shed light on what could have been but also stirred up old controversies about creative ownership and studio politics.

When Hollywood Met Naughty Dog

Back in 2016, when the Uncharted movie was still in its early stages, Hollywood writer Joe Carnahan had a different vision for Nathan Drake’s big-screen debut. His R-rated take on the franchise would have seen Ryan Reynolds don the iconic henley, but perhaps more importantly, it would have stayed true to what he considered the series’ authentic roots.

In an interview with Discussing Film (via vg247), Carnahan didn’t mince words about his loyalties:

Ultimately I wanted to make Amy happy, it was her creation.

This statement was just the beginning of what would become a scathing commentary on the franchise’s creative direction. When the conversation turned to Neil Druckmann‘s involvement with the series, Carnahan’s tone shifted dramatically:

I think whatshisface – I’m not a fan – the guy that kind of stole credit for it… Yeah, that jerkoff. Whatever, there was a bit of saboteuring there going on with Naughty Dog.

While Carnahan’s comments were particularly heated, they touched on a sensitive period in Naughty Dog‘s history.

The Untold Story Behind the Drama

The tension stems from a tumultuous period at Naughty Dog that saw Amy Hennig, the creative force behind the first three Uncharted games, depart the studio under mysterious circumstances. This exit coincided with Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley taking the reins of Uncharted 4 following their success with The Last of Us.

Carnahan’s passionate defense of Hennig wasn’t just about creative differences. His vision for the Uncharted movie included elements that would have paid homage to the series’ roots:

Amy created that world and she was the one that I really wanted to please. That other guy, whatever the hell his name is, he’s a hitchhiker.

Now, while Carnahan’s script never made it to production—the role eventually went to Tom Holland in what we now know to be a very different take on the material—his comments offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex relationships and power dynamics that shape our favorite games and their subsequent film adaptations.

The gaming industry often presents a polished facade of collaboration and creativity, but sometimes the real stories behind our favorite franchises are as dramatic as the games themselves. And whether Carnahan’s assessment is fair or not, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling stories in gaming aren’t the ones we play, but the ones that unfold behind closed studio doors.

What do you think about these revelations? Was Carnahan right to speak out, or should some studio drama stay behind closed doors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!