The series adaptation of The Last of Us on HBO is already a hit. Not only for its solid script, but for being a direct tribute to the game’s history. In addition to showing several iconic sequences, the production has some actors who participated in the game. Decisions that, in the words of the showrunner Craig Mazin, they are much more just to look good with the fans.
The first chapter of the adaptation showed the detailed process that involved its arrival on the small screen. From exploring new places in the story, to adding context and scientific data. It is a project that embraces the enormous importance in pop culture of the material from which it comes.
That is the reason why various cast members of the game are part of live action. Among them the most iconic and recognized. Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, the actors who gave voice to Joel and Ellie, respectively, play characters within the plot. The first, to the so-called settler James, while the second gives life to Ellie’s mother, Anna. Both demonstrate the level of commitment to the spirit of the naughty dog video game.
The careful work of creating the world of The Last of Us
Mazin spoke about different points in the series in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly. Also, he clarified his intentions by bringing back several interpreters of the well-known saga. For the creative, it is a way of celebrating the link between both productions. That, despite the obvious differences in the media telling the story.
“Ashley Johnson is thirty years old and she’s clearly not going to play a fourteen-year-old girl,” Mazin explained. “But it was key to find a space for them (in the program) because they are important. It’s not just about fan service. It’s a dramatic connection between the game and the show. They needed to be there.” The point of view makes it clear that the priority of adapting The Last of UYes, it is to celebrate your heritage. As part of the world of entertainment and a far-reaching generational phenomenon.
But Baker and Johnson are not the only ones to join in the experience of recreating the world imagined by Neil Druckmann on television. Also Jeffrey Pierce (Tommy in the game) and Merle Dandridge, do it. This last has the rare honor of reprising her role as Marlene in the HBO production.
A challenge of patience and attention to a wide universe
During the months prior to the premiere of The Last of Us, Mazin delved into the challenge of honoring the essence of a beloved story. To which, in addition, it had to add new content and provide its own identity. For the co-creator, it was essential that the series could “scare” viewers, even those familiar with the material. In addition, promised to maintain the integrity of the narrative and avoid any plot twist that “breaks” its solidity.
That explains the unique combination between iconic scenes and other unpublished ones, which delve into the universe known to the players. To the above, it should be added that the argument will have information that, previously, it was part of the origin story and, in the end, was scrapped.
“There are things written that we didn’t have the opportunity to put into the game that are in the adaptation,” Druckmann said. “So, you can see how that) enriches the characters. It’s interesting. We’ve spoken to fans who watched the full season and played it afterward. They said that the experience is now richer thanks to what they have seen on the program.”
The Last of Us It is the premiere of the year and you can only see it on HBO Max
Still, the creative duo is convinced that The Last of Us will not deviate from the classic event map. Neither, of what is established by its sequel. “I have no interest in a show that goes on forever. Finals mean everything to me,” Mazin said. The above makes it clear that the production of HBO Max will have, in the same way as the game, a conclusion to its premise..