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The Last of Us is an American post-apocalyptic drama television series created and written by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann for HBO. Based on the 2013 video game of the same name, developed by Naughty Dog, the series follows Joel (Pedro Pascal), a smuggler tasked with escorting Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a teenage girl, across a post-apocalyptic United States, and Joel's younger brother and former militiaman, Tommy (Gabriel Luna).

A joint production by Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, Naughty Dog, The Mighty Mint, and Word Games, the series was filmed from July 2021 to June 2022 throughout Alberta. The first season adapts the events of the first game and premiered on January 15, 2023.[2] Some dialogue was lifted directly, but some episodes "deviate greatly" from the game.[12] It consists of nine episodes.[2] Gustavo Santaolalla returned to compose the score, reprising his role from the game.

An official companion podcast hosted by Troy Baker aired alongside the series.[13] On January 27, 2023, it was announced that HBO has renewed the series for a second season, set to premiere in 2025.[14][15]

Cast and characters[]

Main cast

Recurring cast

Guest cast

Plot[]

Season overview[]

Season Episodes Originally aired
Premiere Finale
1 9 January 15, 2023 March 12, 2023
2 TBA 2025[15] TBA

Episodes[]

Season 1[]

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date U.S. viewers (millions)
1 "When You're Lost in the Darkness" Craig Mazin Craig Mazin & Neil Druckmann January 15, 2023 4.7[38][39]
2 "Infected" Neil Druckmann Craig Mazin January 22, 2023 5.7[40]
3 "Long, Long Time" Peter Hoar Craig Mazin January 29, 2023 6.4[41]
4 "Please Hold to My Hand" Jeremy Webb Craig Mazin February 5, 2023 7.5[41]
5 "Endure and Survive" Jeremy Webb Craig Mazin February 10, 2023 (HBO Max)
February 12, 2023 (HBO)
11.6[42]
6 "Kin" Jasmila Žbanić Craig Mazin February 19, 2023 7.8[43]
7 "Left Behind" Liza Johnson Neil Druckmann February 26, 2023 7.7[44]
8 "When We Are in Need" Ali Abbasi Craig Mazin March 5, 2023 8.1[45]
9 "Look for the Light" Ali Abbasi Craig Mazin & Neil Druckmann March 12, 2023 8.2[46]

Season 2[]

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date U.S. viewers (millions)
1 TBA TBA TBA 2025[15] TBD

Production[]

Development[]

After the film adaptation for The Last of Us entered development hell for six years and subsequently cancelled, a new television series for HBO was announced on March 6, 2020. Craig Mazin, the creator of acclaimed HBO limited series Chernobyl, and Neil Druckmann, writer and creative director of the game, will executive produce the series. Evan Wells, president of Naughty Dog, and Carolyn Strauss will also be executive producers. Sony Pictures Television will co-produce the series in association with PlayStation Productions.[1] After the initial attempt at a film adaptation was dropped, the possibility of adapting the story as an animated series was considered.[47]

On March 12, 2020, Druckmann announced on Twitter that The Last of Us veteran Gustavo Santaolalla will return to write the music for the series.[8] In January 2021, the Mighty Mint joined production, and Kantemir Balagov was announced as the pilot episode's director.[48] He had been interested in adapting the game for years and was set to direct several opening episodes.[49] However, by October 2022, Balagov said he left the project a year prior due to creative differences.[50] Rose Lam was added as executive producer in February 2021.[21] Pre-production in Calgary, Alberta, began on March 15; with Mazin arriving in May 2021.[51] Ali Abbasi and Jasmila Žbanić were announced as directors in April.[52] On June 3, 2021, Eben Bolter announced that he will serve as the director of photography for the series.[53] In July 2021, the Directors Guild of Canada revealed Peter Hoar was assigned to direct, followed in August by Mazin, then in September by Druckmann[54] Lastly, in January 2022 by Liza Johnson and Jeremy Webb.

In February, Druckmann confirmed he directed an episode and felt his experience reinforced and reflected his experience in directing games.[55] After several months traveling between Calgary and Los Angeles, Druckmann struggled to fulfil obligations at Naughty Dog and returned home to advise remotely, feeling confident in Mazin.[56]

The Last of Us is believed to be the largest television production in Canadian history, expected to generate over CA$200 million in revenue for Alberta.[57][58] Calgary film officials felt the production team chose Alberta for production partly due to the government's 2021 decision to remove its tax credit cap of CA$10 million per project. Canadian artists union IATSE 212 claimed the production led to a 30 percent increase in union membership and employment.[59] Mazin said the first season would consist of ten episodes in July 2021,[60] but were reduced to nine by November 2022.[61] However, the first two days were subsequently combined after HBO executives felt the first would not compel viewers to return.[62] The production team included five art directors and hundreds of technicians.[63] The game's art director, concept artists, and environment artists provided feedback on the costumes and sets.[64]

Production designer John Paino referenced the video game but focused more on the references used by Naughty Dog during development. He created an image collage which included a photograph of reassembled chairs, which Mazin considered the show's mandate: "the built world is unbuilt and rebuilt".[65] Paul Becker choreographed the series,[66] and Barrie Gower was the prosthetics designer, responsible for the designs of the Infected.[67] Elastic created the show's title sequence; Mazin enjoyed the idea of the fungus appearing beautiful despite its destructive nature.[68] Visual effects studio DNEG are involved with the series.[69]

On March 14, 2023, it was announced by HBO, that the first season will be available to purchase Digitally on April 11, 2023 while the 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD will be available on July 18, 2023 to purchase online and in-store. Special features on the Digital version include various featurettes to give fans a look into the behind-the-scenes making and insight of actors, creators, and experts. Starting with The Last of Us: Stranger Than Fiction, is a featurette for people who have been wondering about the likelihood of a fungus creating the post-apocalyptic disaster. The cast and filmmakers speak to experts in survival, microbiology, and parasitology for a discussion on the realities of the invasive fungus and subsequent apocalypse. Another featurette, Controllers Down will be focused on adapting The Last of Us from console to screen, as cast and filmmakers take us inside the process of expanding the world and the game’s beloved characters. From Levels to Live Action will showcase how the series incorporated and expanded fan-favorite game moments in the series.[70]

Casting[]

On February 10, 2021, it was reported that Bella Ramsey was cast as Ellie in the series.[3] Pedro Pascal was also cast as the series' Joel.[16] The pair had already starred together in HBO's Game of Thrones, though this will be the first time they will share scenes together.[3] On April 15, 2021, it was reported that Gabriel Luna was cast as Tommy in the series.[21] On May 27, 2021, it was reported that Merle Dandridge was cast as Marlene in the series, reprising her role from the game.[22] On June 30, 2021, Deadline reported that Nico Parker was cast as Sarah in the series.[24] On July 15, 2021, Deadline reported that Jeffrey Pierce, Murray Bartlett, and Con O'Neill had joined the cast of the series.[29] However, Nick Offerman would later be recasted as Bill due to scheduling conflicts.[30] On July 22, 2021, Deadline reported that Anna Torv was cast as Tess.[20] Deadline officially reported on January 14, 2022, that Storm Reid, best known for her performance on HBO's Euphoria, was cast as Riley.[28] During Summer Games Fest 2022, Naughty Dog announced that Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, who portray Joel and Ellie in the video games respectively, would join the cast in unspecified "major roles".[34]

On February 27, 2023, during a recent interview, Jeffrey Pierce – who played Joel’s brother Tommy Miller in the video game and appeared as revolutionary rebel Perry in the TV adaptation, opened up about the early stages of the HBO series’ development. When asked about whether he was in the pipeline to play Tommy again for the TV show, he recalled the ‘talks’ that were had with Mahershala Ali about him supposedly taking on the lead role of Joel.[71] On March 5,2023, Baker mentioned how he thought he was gonna get a walk-on role, but then he got the script, and realized that there was substance to his character.[72]

Filming[]

On April 2, 2021, it was reported that series is scheduled to start filming on July 5, 2021, and expected to wrap by June 8, 2022, in Calgary, Canada.[73] Reportedly, the word "zombie" was banned from use on the set.[74]

On March 6, 2023, Ramsey particularly praised the "gay army" of supporters for standing up for their character Ellie and the entire series in general. They said that, "I had an oath with Craig Mazin [The Last of Us series creator] that I wasn't going to look at comments, and I feel like I've slightly dramatically blown open that oath the last couple of weeks. I'm very aware that there's a gay army who are on Twitter who are just supporting me and Ellie, and it's like they're so much louder than any people who still hate it, or hate the show, the homophobic trolls, whatever. And it's just like that feels nice to just have that army behind me. That's been a reaction that I've really enjoyed."[75] Also on this day, it was revealed that the show’s eighth episode has now delivered the series’ highest viewership so far this season with 8.1 million viewers on Sunday night.[76]

On March 12, 2023, it was announced that the season 1 finale had a 43-minute runtime.[77] Also, in the season finale, the giraffe was actually real and not CGI. Their name is Nabo and Bella Ramsey called working with the giraffe a "spiritual experience." The episode's locations manager Matt Palmer said, "You can create a giraffe in visual effects, but it's just not the same."[78]

On March 13, 2023, the HBO drama's first six episodes received a bigger audience than the Game of Thrones prequel, and Sunday's finale hit a premiere night high.[79]

In the Season 1 finale episode, "Look for the Light," series co-creator Craig Mazin revealed to GQ that there was a longer and sadder final scene between Joel and Ellie. In the alternate ending, the duo is walking back to Jackson, but there is a clear and quiet divide between them. Joel promises Ellie that they will find something else to fight for, and she simply says “Okay,” before walking in her own bubble. This ending would be more of a growing distance between them over Joel’s decisions versus the cliffhanger we got.[80]

Gallery[]

Promotional images[]

Behind the scenes[]

Videos[]

External links[]

References[]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 The Hollywood Reporter (Retrieved March 5, 2020)
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ Sets Early 2023 Release Date, Variety, (Accessed November 2, 2022)
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 'Last of Us': 'Game of Thrones' Breakout Bella Ramsey to Star as Ellie (Exclusive), Hollywood Reporter, (Accessed 2021)
  4. 4.0 4.1 Slavin, Michael (June 5, 2020). "Johan Renck on the Success of 'Chernobyl' & the Status of HBO's 'The Last of Us' – Exclusive Interview", Discussing Film, (Retrieved June 7, 2020)
  5. 5.0 5.1 Last of Us Series at HBO Taps Jasmila Žbanić, Ali Abbasi to Direct, Variety, (Accessed 2021)
  6. 6.0 6.1 Alberta District Council. (September 15, 2021). DGC Alberta Production List. Directors Guild of Canada. (Accessed September 20, 2021)
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 ‘The Last Of Us’ Sets Season 2 Director Lineup With Mark Mylod Leading New Additions, Deadline, (Accessed 25 January 2024)
  8. 8.0 8.1 Druckmann, Neil [@Neil_Druckmann] (March 11, 2020). "Well this is exciting! Beyond lending his incredible musical talent to The Last of Us Part II, Gustavo Santaolalla is joining us to bring over The Last of Us to HBO!" (Tweet), Twitter, (Retrieved March 16, 2020)
  9. https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-last-of-us-renewed-season-2-hbo-1235504485/
  10. https://mp1st.com/news/the-last-of-us-hbo-season-2-confirmed-covering-tlou-part-2s-story
  11. https://www.ign.com/articles/hbo-the-last-of-us-renewed-for-season-2
  12. "The Last of Us TV show will deviate from the the game" IGN, (Retrieved March 27, 2021)
  13. Dinsdale, Ryan (January 9, 2023). "The Last of Us HBO Show Is Getting a Companion Podcast Hosted by Troy Baker". IGN. Accessed January 9, 2022.
  14. ‘The Last of Us’ Renewed for Season 2 at HBO - Variety
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  17. Hibberd, James (January 9, 2024). "Kaitlyn Dever Officially Cast in 'The Last of Us' Season 2 as Abby". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  18. Valentine, Rebekah (January 11, 2024). HBO's The Last of Us Season Two Will Feature Isabela Merced as Dina. IGN. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  19. EXCLUSIVE: Joel's Partner Tess Will Appear in HBO's The Last of Us TV Series, Knighted Media, (Accessed 2021)
  20. 20.0 20.1 The Last Of Us: Anna Torv To Recur In HBO Series Adaptation Of PlayStation Video Game, Deadline, (Accessed July 22, 2021)
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 Last of Us Series at HBO Casts Gabriel Luna, Variety, (Accessed 2021)
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  24. 24.0 24.1 The Last Of Us: Nico Parker Joins Pedro Pascal In HBO Series Adaptation of Popular Video Game, Deadline, (Accessed July 1, 2021)
  25. Andreeva, Nellie (January 10, 2024). "'The Last Of Us': Young Mazino Cast As Jesse In Season 2 Of HBO Series". Deadline. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 Otterson, Joe (March 1, 2024). "‘Last of Us’ Season 2 Casts Danny Ramirez, Tati Gabrielle, Ariela Barer, Spencer Lord". Variety. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  27. The Last of Us HBO series co-creator confirms first wave of characters (but leaves one redacted), Games Radar, (Accessed 2021)
  28. 28.0 28.1 'Euphoria's Storm Reid Joins HBO's 'The Last Of Us' Series Adaptation As Riley. Deadline. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
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  30. 30.0 30.1 ‘The Last Of Us’: Nick Offerman To Replace Con O'Neill As Bill In HBO Series Adaptation Of Playstation Game (December 7, 2021). Deadline. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  31. Romano, Nick (January 9, 2023). "True Blood star Rutina Wesley's The Last of Us role confirmed in exclusive photo". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  32. Brown, Pat (January 10, 2023). "The Last of Us Review: HBO's Video Game Adaptation Is All Flesh, No Bones". Slant Magazine. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
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  44. Hailu, Selome (March 6, 2023). "‘The Last of Us’ Episode 8 Hits Series High of 8.1 Million Viewers, Up 74% From Season Premiere" Variety
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  47. GameSpot - There Were Talks Of A Last Of Us Animated Series, Actor Says
  48. ‘Last of Us’ HBO Series Finds Its Director - Hollywood Reporter
  49. Российский режиссер Кантемир Балагов будет снимать сериал HBO от создателя «Чернобыля» (!!) по игре The Last of Us - Meduza
  50. Kantemir Balagov to Direct ‘Butterfly Jam’ for Square Peg, AR Content - Hollywood Reporter
  51. Episode 499 - John August
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  64. ‘The Last of Us’ Creators Talk the Scrapped Movie Adaptation and How Changes From the Game Were Made With ‘Care’ - The Wrap
  65. How The Last of Us Was Built—And Unbuilt—For TV - Vanity Fair
  66. Paul Becker: Making moves, making stories - Dance Informa
  67. What’s Wrong With Viserys? ‘House of the Dragon’ Prosthetic Designer Explains His Flesh-Eating Disease and Making the Clickers in ‘The Last of Us’ - Variety
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  69. The Last of Us LOOK FOR THE LIGHT - DNEG
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  71. The Last of Us Almost Got Its Own Animated TV Show, Reveals Star - The Direct
  72. ‘The Last of Us’: Original Joel Actor Troy Baker Talks Playing a Cannibal in the Show and Passing the Baton to Pedro Pascal - Variety
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  75. 'The Last of Us': Bella Ramsey on the "Gay Army" of Support and Gamers' Reactions - Collider
  76. ‘The Last of Us’ Episode 8 Sets Series Viewership Record With 74% Increase From Premiere - Collider
  77. The of Pods March 12, 2023 Tweet - Twitter
  78. IGN March 12, 2023 Tweet - Twitter
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