One of the most well-known video games ever was launched in 2013 by the masters of the video game industry, Naughty Dog. In the midst of a zombie apocalypse, The Last of Us follows a cunning man and a savvy adolescent girl on their trek to survival.
Before its 2020 follow-up The Last of Us II was even launched, it was reported that HBO had taken up a live-action series of the game despite numerous failed efforts at a live-action adaptation. There is a lot that fans need to know before it airs.
HBO’s First Video Game-Based Series
Starting with Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock, the network’s first original, scripted series that debuted in 1983, HBO has been presenting audiences with hit TV shows since 1972, including Euphoria, Game of Thrones, and The Sopranos.
With the debut of The Last of Us, HBO will continue to push boundaries because it is the network’s first ever video game-based television series.
Introducing Joel And Ellie
Troy Baker and well-known voice actress Ashley Johnson, who both received VGX Awards for Best Voice Actor in 2013 for their performances as the video games’ main, playable characters Joel Miller and Ellie Williams, respectively, provided the voices for the characters in the games.
Pedro Pascal, who also starred in The Mandalorian and Game of Thrones, will play Joel in the new series, while Bella Ramsey, who represented Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, will play Ellie, a 14-year-old character.
Keeping The LGBTQ+ Representation
The Last of Us: Left Behind’s circumstances led to rampant fan speculation that Ellie might not be straight. The revelation that Ellie was a lesbian who later dated her friend Dina in The Last of Us II, which was released shortly after, supported those views.
Although the character of Dina has yet to be addressed for the series adaptation, the programme has pledged to stay faithful to the game, retaining Ellie’s sexual orientation. This has led fans to believe that Season 1 will only contain content from the original game and its expansion.
Largest Production In Canadian History
Every year, scores of projects, including Disney Channel episodes, Hallmark Channel movies, and Netflix series, are filmed in Canada thanks to tax breaks and lower living expenses for cast members and crews.
This new show is reportedly the biggest production to ever be produced in Canada. It was recorded in Calgary, Alberta over the course of a year on a number of sets designed to resemble the American cities from the game.
Music By Gustavo Santaolalla
The Last of Us Part II screenshotSony Interactive Entertainment
Gamers may recall the distinctive compositions across each level. It was composed of dramatic violins and acoustic guitar string plucks with just the right amount of eerie to fit the mood of a horror game with multiple moving scenes.
The game’s composer Gustavo Santaolalla will be bringing those renowned sounds to the programme, previously supplying themes to Jane the Virgin and Making a Murderer.
Several Notable Guest Stars
Even though this television version already has a sizable ensemble, its first season is rumoured to have a lot of well-known guest performers.
The most notable guest stars were Nick Offerman from Parks and Recreation as Bill, Storm Reid from A Wrinkle in Time as Ellie’s best friend Riley (as seen in The Last of Us: Left Behind), and Nico Parker as Sarah, Joel’s daughter.
The First Show From PlayStation Productions
Based on the video game of the same name, PlayStation Productions, which was established in 2019 through Sony Interactive Entertainment, collaborated with Sony Pictures to make the 2022 movie Uncharted. The production business is working on three further movies, but The Last of Us is given special recognition.
The new series is the first production from PlayStation Productions; the company subsequently wants to make shows based on the video games Twisted Metal, God of War, and Horizon 2074 available on other streaming services.
The Original Voice Actors Also Star In It
The game’s original voice actors are reportedly also appearing in the new series, so fans don’t have to worry about their favourite characters receiving new voices.
Baker, Johnson, and Jeffery Pierce, who played Tommy in the first place, are all set to star in and return to the programme. They are all rumoured to be playing unnamed roles.
When And Where Will It Air?
While this new series is hinted to be “coming soon,” it’s planned to broadcast sometime in 2023. Whether the programme will debut on the HBO network or alone on its streaming service HBO Max is still up in the air.
The 10-episode arc for the first season of The Games was co-written by writer and director Nick Druckmann and co-executive producer Craig Mazin.
Which ‘The Last Of Us’ Game Is It Based On?
After the two main video games and its 2014 expansion, The Last of Us: Left Behind, were commercial successes, fans began to wonder precisely when in this timeline the series will take place.
According to reports, the HBO series is set within the original video game’s events and may continue with those of the sequel. The year of the outbreak will be changed from 2013 to 2003 as part of the series’ storyline.
