The Last of Us is Getting Its Own Series on HBO

Written by Brandon Hofer on March 05, 2020

News: Originally thought to be a movie, the Last of Us is instead going down the series route with a very big partner.

The Last of Us was released in 2013 and became one of the absolute best games of that generation. In May 2020 we are finally getting a sequel with The Last of Us: Part II. That isn’t all though as Hollywood Reporter has now revealed that The Last of Us will be adapted as a show on HBO as well. HBO intends this to be a series and the great news for fans is that Neil Druckman, the writer and creative director of The Last of Us, will be helping to write and executive produce the show. This show will be a co-production with Sony Pictures Television and PlayStation Productions. It also has the honor of being the first television show from PlayStation Productions.

The Last Of Us tells the story of Joel, a survivor of the savage cordyceps virus infection which has plunged the USA into a chillingly-authentic post-apocalyptic hell. He embarks on a cross-America trip with precious cargo, Ellie, leaving the relative safety of the quarantine zone where they will encounter fierce mutated husks and crazed survivors. From the award-winning team behind Uncharted, Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter, The Last Of Us delivered a gritty, cinematic experience interspersed with genuine survival-action to deliver a compelling and unique gaming experience.

Craig Mazin, the creator of the limited series Chernobyl, who is also an avid gamer, had this to say:

"Neil Druckmann is without question the finest storyteller working in the video game medium, and The Last of Us is his magnum opus. Getting a chance to adapt this breathtaking work of art has been a dream of mine for years, and I'm so honored to do it in partnership with Neil."

"From the first time I sat down to talk with Craig I was equally blown away by his approach to narrative and his love and deep understanding of The Last of Us," said Druckmann in a statement. "With Chernobyl, Craig and HBO created a tense, harrowing, emotional masterpiece. I couldn't think of better partners to bring the story of The Last of Us to life as a television show."

HBO seems excited about the chance to work on this popular property as well and Sony has promised that this is only the first step and project with PlayStation Productions.

"This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us to partner with Craig, Neil, Carolyn and the teams at Sony, Naughty Dog and PlayStation to bring the virtual world of this acclaimed game to life," stated HBO programming president Casey Bloys.

"This is the first of many shows we intend to develop with our friends at PlayStation Productions," said Chris Parnell, co-president of Sony Pictures Television Studios. The Last of Us is a brilliant achievement in storytelling and character development, and we are lucky to have the opportunity to work with this team to adapt it."

What do you hope to see in this HBO series? Do you think it will focus on the events of The Last of Us or will it also have events from The Last of Us: Part II, which is slated to come out in May 2020? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

source: Hollywood Reporter