The internet rightfully exploded last month when the first casting announcement for the upcoming TV adaptation of hit video game, The Last of Us, was revealed. With hype reignited, we figured that there’s no better time to break down everything there is to know about the series so far. So, sit back, relax, and we’ll give you the lowdown on the adaptation of one of the greatest video game stories ever told.
The Last of Us was officially greenlit and given a series order by HBO studios in November 2020. Based on Naughty Dog’s bestselling video game of the same name, the show takes place twenty years after a viral outbreak has ravaged the United States, causing humans to transform into aggressive, monstrous beings known as ‘the infected.’ In the wake of the outbreak, modern civilization has collapsed and the remaining population shelter in heavily policed quarantine zones. Joel, a survivor turned smuggler, is tasked with escorting 14-year-old Ellie outside of a zone in Boston. The simple job soon turns into an epic, emotional journey as Ellie and Joel find themselves journeying across the country, depending on one another for survival.
Russian filmmaker Kantemir Balagov has been slated to direct the pilot, while original game writer and director Neil Druckmann will be working alongside Chernobyl creator, Craig Mazin, to write and produce the series. Carolyn Strauss (The Sopranos, The Wire) and Evan Wells, the president of Naughty Dog, are also working as executive producers. Composer Gustavo Santaolalla will also be returning to his musical duties for the franchise, providing the soundtrack.
While the creative side of things has looked great from the get-go, the question of casting has been the biggest mystery surrounding the production. Thankfully, it’s a question that has now been answered as it was announced that The Mandalorian’s Pedro Pascal, and breakout Game of Thrones star, Bella Ramsey, will be bringing Joel and Ellie to life on the small screen. The pair have received a wealth of congratulations and support since, including some heart-warming words from Joel’s voice actor, Troy Baker. Baker took to his Instagram to say ‘Congratulations @bellaramsey. Can’t wait to see you kick ass and throw some bricks.’, and ‘This IS the way. Full support. Full stop. Can’t wait four you to show me a side of Joel I never knew, Pedro.’
Joining the two main characters throughout the show will be Tess, Riley, Marlene, and Maria, as confirmed by Druckmann on Twitter, who we’ll likely see casting news on in the future. Despite, little to no plot details being known, The Hollywood Reporter did reveal back in March 2020 that series will ‘cover the events of the original game… with the possibility of additional content based on the forthcoming sequel’, The Last of Us Part 2. This indicates that it’s likely to have a multi-season run, as opposed to being a miniseries, meaning that hopefully fans will have plenty of content to chew on.
Although there’s currently no set release window, with the series finding their leads, and a stellar creative team behind the scenes, things are looking more and more promising with each new announcement. It’s safe to say, this is shaping up to be a solid adaption of one of the most beloved video games of all time.
Appreciate your update about the series. While Kantemir is technically from Russia, he is of Circassian origin, region in the West Caucasus occupied by Russians and having a very different culture than Russia proper. So culturally Kantemir cannot fully be called Russian.