Neil Druckmann talks the Sam Raimi-produced adaptation of The Last of Us

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

One of the most exciting bits of news to come out of San Diego Comic-Con last month was the announcement that Sony and Sam Raimi (THE EVIL DEAD) are preparing a feature film adaptation of Naughty Dog's THE LAST OF US videogame. Recently writer and creative director Neil Druckmann shed more light on the film's direction in an interview with MCVUK, sharing the film will differ slightly from its source material as compressing the videogame's 15 hour story into a workable screenplay has proved to be a challenge. Druckmann shares…

“In two hours you can’t tell the same kind of story that you can in a game like The Last of Us, which is 15 hours. I’m in the middle of it now, and it’s been super difficult because there’s so much that happens in The Last of Us – even just in the cinematics – that can’t fit in a film, let alone all the gameplay in-between and dialogue.”

“It’s been really difficult to cut certain things out, but what I’m starting to get this is really focused narrative that’s about these two characters [Joel and Ellie]. Some parts will be similar to the game and some parts will be quite different, but it’s kind of interesting in helping me understand this other medium and its strengths compared to video games.”

At Comic-Con last month, it was revealed that "Games of Thrones" actress Maisie Williams is in talks to play Ellie.

Are you excited for a film adaptation of THE LAST OF US? Do you think this has franchise potential? Hit us with your thoughts on this project below.