As we knew they would eventually, HBO has given a series order to The Last of Us, an adaptation of the Playstation video game, from Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin, video game creator Neil Druckmann and Game of Thrones executive producer Carolyn Strauss.
For the moment, it remains unclear as to how many episodes the network has ordered, though if I were a betting man, I'd say that The Last of Us has the potential to become HBO's The Walking Dead in terms of longevity. To be clear, I'm not saying TLOU needs to drag on for ten seasons, just that HBO could expand the series if they desire. For all that I'm aware of, The Last of Us could be a limited engagement. We'll have to wait and see. Either way, the series will be a co-production with Sony Pictures Television in association with PlayStation Productions, Word Games, and Naughty Dog.
The Last of Us video game focuses on the relationship between Joel, a smuggler, and Ellie, a teenager who may be key to a cure for a deadly pandemic. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle the 14-year-old girl out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey, as they both must traverse across the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.
Previously Mazin, who is said to be an avid player of the game, stated, "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."
To which Druckman responded, "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." He then added, "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."
A sequel to The Last of Us, titled The Last of Us Part II was released to much acclaim from the video game community back in June.
Here's the official synopsis for The Last of Us Part II:
Set five years after their dangerous journey across the post-pandemic United States, Ellie and Joel have settled down in Jackson, Wyoming. Living amongst a thriving community of survivors has allowed them peace and stability, despite the constant threat of the infected and other, more desperate survivors.
When a violent event disrupts that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey to carry out justice and find closure. As she hunts those responsible, one by one, she is confronted with the devastating physical and emotional repercussions of her actions.
Whether or not the HBO series will include story elements from both games remains to be seen, but I certainly hope so, if only to enrage the trolls that had taken issue with Abby Anderson, who is arguably The Last of Us Part II's most compelling character. Mwahaha!
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