In the wake of the successful HBO debut of The Last of Us, a production starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey made a fan of both the most skeptical critic and the average audience alike, co-showrunner Craig Mazin has shed some light on the show’s trajectory. “We’ve sketched out a vision for not just one, but multiple seasons,” he revealed to The Hollywood Reporter.
HBO’s adaptation of the blockbuster video game series was celebrated as one of the greatest of all time if not the best ever. Such was its overwhelming reception that Naughty Dog, the first-party Sony developer, witnessed a resurgence in the game’s popularity, even prompting talks of a PlayStation 5 re-release of The Last of Us Part 2, which will be the basis of the future seasons of the live-action adaptation. This synergy between the TV series and the game series only spells good news for fans and newcomers alike.
Though some initially speculated a three-season arc for the series, Mazin’s recent interviews suggest the magic number might be four. “Three or five are possibilities, but four seasons seems right,” he elaborated. He emphasized, however, that not all seasons would contain the same number of episodes. This flexibility in episode count is due to the narrative needs of the particular season. While some stories may be succinctly told in fewer episodes, others may demand a much broader canvas.
A notable point of discussion among fans is how the HBO series will adapt The Last of Us Part II. Mazin’s new revelation clarifies they won’t even think of adapting the complex narrative of the sequel w into a single season. “What’s definitive is that its story doesn’t belong in one season,” he declared.
This game sequel presents two interwoven narratives centered on Ellie and Abby, suggesting that the TV adaptation could potentially dedicate one season to each. This, of course, makes a lot of sense. In terms of game length, The Last of Us Part 2 is at least 10 hours longer than the first game, so stretching the narrative across multiple seasons make sense.
However, before fans dive deep into speculating on the show’s trajectory, they should remember the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that have had an impact on the show’s production. These challenges, though formidable, haven’t dampened the show’s spirit or its ambitious vision.
Despite the looming question of the series’ duration, what remains consistent is the dedication to craft and quality. The goal isn’t merely to stretch content but to deliver compelling, well-rounded narratives each season. As Mazin confirms, “It’s not about the episode count. What’s crucial is that at the season’s close, viewers reflect and feel, ‘That was a good season.'”
Amidst all the conversations surrounding the show, it’s noteworthy to mention the Emmy nods the series has received. The sheer 24 nominations, including standout nominations for Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, serve as a testament to its quality. Furthermore, Keivonn Woodard’s Emmy nomination marks a historical moment, celebrating his portrayal as Sam and being recognized as the first Black Deaf actor to receive such an accolade.
Such monumental moments don’t just highlight the series’ success but underscore its overall impact. The Last of Us isn’t the first live-action adaptation of an award-winning video game but it’s the most awarded attempt – it will open the door to many other potential projects.
As fans across the globe anticipate the next installment, one thing is certain: The Last of Us on HBO has cemented its place as a cultural touchstone. With a blend of intense drama, compelling characters, and a post-apocalyptic setting that feels eerily reflective of our times, it seems set to continue its reign, resonating with viewers and challenging the boundaries of storytelling.
The story of Joel, Ellie, and the post-apocalyptic world they navigate is far from over. As the saga unfolds, one can only hope that the narrative continues to captivate, challenge, and redefine television standards.
And, since we’re on the topic, we’re hoping that spending most of his time on The Last of Us will give Neil Druckmann more ideas for The Last of Us Part 3, which, by the way, already has an existing outline. At the moment, Druckmann is working on an unannounced game with Naughty Dog, which may or may not be a fantasy RPG.
