Naughty Dog's creative director Shaun Escayg has ignited fan theories about a potential Uncharted 5 after posting a photo of a cannon in Trinidad & Tobago with the simple caption "Research." The Uncharted series has been quiet since 2017's Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, which Escayg co-directed, leaving fans eager for news of a new mainline entry despite 2022's Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection.
Kotaku identified the location as Fort George in Trinidad and Tobago, a setting that certainly evokes the adventurous spirit of Uncharted. While this could simply reflect Escayg's personal interest in historical fortifications or a photography project, the timing has sparked widespread speculation. Escayg currently serves as creative director on an unspecified project, and the Sony-owned studio is rumored to be developing multiple single-player games, including the announced Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
If a new Uncharted game is indeed in development, numerous questions arise: Would it be a sequel or prequel? Could we see an older Nathan Drake return, or might his daughter Cassie take the lead? Perhaps a Sam and Sully adventure is in the works? The possibilities are numerous given the narrative threads left at the end of Uncharted 4. Interestingly, this speculation comes just after Naughty Dog chief Neil Druckmann hinted at a potential The Last of Us 3, suggesting the studio has a full development slate.
AAA game development continues to lengthen despite corporate pressures to accelerate production, meaning any revelation about Naughty Dog's post-Intergalactic projects—Uncharted-related or otherwise—may be distant. Nevertheless, fans remain convinced. "It has to be," one enthusiast declared. "Palms and cannons = Uncharted. It works 99% of the time." Another added, "Definitely Uncharted or I'm just hopelessly wishing," while a third noted, "This means it's super early."
In July 2023, Druckmann announced he would not be creatively involved in HBO's The Last of Us Season 3, choosing instead to focus entirely on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. However, just months prior, he revealed the studio has a second, unannounced game in development. In an interview with the Press X to Continue podcast, Druckmann explained his varied roles at Naughty Dog: on Intergalactic, he works with game directors Matthew Gallant and Kurt Margenau and co-writes with narrative director Claire Carré, while on the secret project, he serves more as a producer and mentor. "I enjoy all those roles," he said, "and the fact I jump between one to the next, it makes my job very exciting and always feeling fresh. I’m never bored."
Whether this mystery game is Uncharted 5 remains uncertain, and even if it is, cancellation is always a possibility, as Naughty Dog experienced with The Last of Us Online in 2023. For now, fans are holding onto hope that the Drakes might be making a comeback.
