"Because that’s the biggest surprise": Upload creator talks about how the fate of Original Nathan in the finale was decided

Fans were ready for heartbreak when Upload Season 4 dropped on Prime Video. Still, they weren't exactly prepared for Greg Daniels' mic-drop moment (spoiler alert!), the original Nathan's death. The central romance between Nathan and Nora became the show's fulcrum after seasons of sci-fi antics, corporate schemes, and plenty of tech satire to make Silicon Valley flush.

Daniels then cut the cord to convey what he refers to as "the most intensely romantic version of the story," instead of one for shock value.

Daniels admitted that the writers' room planned Nathan's death to go against standards during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

"Nobody expects the real Nathan to be the one [to die] so we have to do that because that’s the biggest surprise," he argued.

The original Nathan's journey ended by choosing peace over another digital life. And such a controlled payoff left viewers heartbroken and satisfied.

---

This Upload Season 4 death felt like growth

The death is almost a relief, says Robbie Amell, who had been playing both Nathan versions. Amell explained:

"By the end of season four, Nathan doesn’t want to be uploaded anymore. He’s ready for what’s next."

Original Nathan, who was initially selfish and shallow, had now been kind enough to let Nora go. "The most loving thing someone can do is let them go," said Andy Allo, who plays Nora, describing it as an act of deep love.

"It’s such a selfless act."

Nathan's decision added to the show's recurrent themes of mortality, grief, and the meaning of life. "People don't always win in real life," Daniels said.

"Digital zombification" wasn't meant to be the endpoint. As Nora reflected on her journey from hiding in VR goggles to finally taking on real life (even when it meant saying goodbye), the moment came to her as a full circle.

---

The Lakeview switch that left us quaking

In a somewhat believable plot with Ingrid (Allegra Edwards), Nathan takes the spotlight while another Nathan exits Upload. After being unpredictable and controlling at first, their relationship finds a fresh start.

Edwards lauded Ingrid's growth and dedication by saying,

"We see the makings of an actual relationship built on friendship."

Luke's sacrifice, in the meantime, turned into yet another hit.

"This is a guy who sui-scanned originally," Amell laughed, "Him sacrificing himself for his friends is so Luke."

Upload leaves Nora's future ambiguous. When she removes her wedding ring in a scene in a café in Montreal, she finds out that Nathan's saved file is still there.

Daniels says he intentionally kept it open-ended:

"Maybe she’s moving on. It’s really open to interpretation."

Allo enjoys the idea of Nora going on about her life and maybe restoring Nathan to life years later when technology has improved. Less "happily ever after," more "life goes on, but hope lingers," is how the uncertainty feels --- typical Daniels!

---

Upload Season 4 leaves a bittersweet taste

The ending of Upload, in which Daniels' goal was to make Nathan and Nora's story feel like "the ultimate romance novel," had a somewhat heavy impact.

Amell shows Nathan's growth by saying,

"He just wants something better for Nora; for her to be happy and be able to move on."

Upload asks whether immortality is worth having and whether love is more durable than death in its final act. While the answer to these questions is yes, it sure is not in the way that fans were hoping for!

---

Watch the four-episode final season of Upload on Prime Video.