There's a lot of anticipation from fans for the upcoming TV series based on The Last of Us that's in the works at HBO. The high-budget series is an adaptation of the original video game of the same name and will feature a very similar plot with the same main characters. This includes Bella Ramsey as mysterious teenager Ellie with the actress reuniting with Game of Thrones co-star Pedro Pascal who also stars in the role of the hardened smuggler Joel.
Because the video game and its sequel are so acclaimed, there's a lot of pressure on the TV series to nail the adaptation. Speaking about the show with SheKnows, Ramsey seems to be pretty confident that fans will appreciate how it's all come together for the franchise's move to live-action. She also says this as someone who's a gamer herself and knows how important it is for the adaptation to be faithful.
"I think people are going to love [the adaptation]. I know there were people worried about it, of course. When something is so precious to you as a viewer — as a gamer — of course you’re going to be worried about the adaptation. But honestly, I think people are going to love it. It very much follows the emotional beats of the game, and it’s very respectful of the game and honors the game. But [the live-action series adaptation] brings a new life into it. It explores different avenues that weren’t explored so much in the game. I do think people are going to love it. I hope they do. It was so much fun to make, such an experience. I hope that [audiences] feel that experience too when they come on the adventure with us.”
The Last of Us Comes to HBO Next Year
The Last of Us wrapped filming on season 1 in June and the reported plan is for the series to make its way to HBO in early 2023. It's been a long time coming for fans who've hoped to see a live-action adaptation made for years, even if there's apprehension by some about the series failing to live up to the high standards set by the games. For what it's worth, Pedro Pascal has also teased that the show very much feels like a live-action version of the world gamers were first able to explore in the original game.
"It is covered in clickers and spores, and the elements of Alberta, and we're having an amazing time," Pascal told Comicbook.com. "It's totally harrowing. And I don't know if we'll make it, but it'll be completely worth it. It is amazing. And I'm having an amazing time. I don't know if I'll make it."
Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann are developing the series for HBO. Along with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us stars Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, Jeffrey Pierce, Anna Torv, Nico Parker, Nick Offerman, and Storm Reid.