For author Craig Mazin, the scariest thing is HBO TV Series The Last of Us Not a clicker, bloater, or other scare Legendary Sony PlayStation game It is the base of the series. That’s the moment a lone scientist realizes that a fungal brain infection reduces most of the world’s population to barbaric cannibals. It was not seen in games or games. Its 2020 sequel.
“It’s scary for me,” Mazin told me in a Zoom interview ahead of the show’s Jan. 15 premiere. HBO Max“It grounds everything, and the more real you can make the periphery feel, the more real the center will feel.”
Majin same curiosity real disaster when he created 2019 critically acclaimed HBO miniseries ChernobylIn The Last of Us, flashbacks and pseudoscientific sources of infection Obtained from speaking with the co-writers of the series Neil Druckmannis also the creative director and co-president of game writer and developer Naughty Dog. He enjoyed the opportunity to expand the world of The Last of Us beyond what is seen in the game through expert reactions to this apocalyptic revelation.
“Not only is it scary to hear a scientist say it’s over, but the moment she accepts it in herself and sees the drama on her face is unique to this. [adaptation] I am very happy to show you,” Druckmann said.
Flashbacks aren’t the only changes fans of the game will notice. Due to the timeline change, the epidemic occurred in his 2003 (rather than his 2013 in the game) and the apocalyptic story occurred in 2023 (rather than 2033). Since the game took place in the year it was released, Mazin and Druckmann agreed that the chronological rearrangement made sense as it would not fundamentally change the story.
“If I’m watching a show in 2023 and it’s taking place in 2043, it gets a little unrealistic. ‘Hey, look, in this parallel universe, this is happening right.'” I thought it might be interesting to say… now. ‘So it was just about helping people connect a little more,’ Mazin said.
“In reality, aside from slightly different prop palettes, set designs, and car choices, not much has changed. Interestingly, as we progressed through the series, new locations in the old world and new I keep finding relics. [always] We’re back in the mood of 2003. “
driven by sorrow
What makes the story even more grounding is its core relatable human drama. In her nine episodes of the first season, cursed smuggler Joel, tasked with escorting her feisty teenage Ellie across post-apocalyptic America, follows Miller (spoilers). I won’t say why).playing a pair Pedro Pascal When Bella Ramsey.
Pascal you may know game of thrones When mandalorianthe tragic loss Joel endured when the epidemic began, continues to haunt him 20 years later.
“He is completely trauma driven and everything he does is shaped by that loss, for better or worse, and he will never experience that kind of loss again. is something I can relate to,” Pascal told me.Zoom.
“It’s amazing to step into an adaptation of beloved source material with such an emotional human story at its heart and make it all the more painful. We love it as audiences.” It seems. We are masochistic.”
Fellow Game of Thrones Alumni Ramsey stated that Ellie sees Joel’s pain and a bond is formed on their journey as a result.
“Ellie knows something is wrong with this man.” She sees a shared experience; Ellie has lost someone very important in her life. [as well]Seeing people who have gone through similar experiences makes me want to connect [even though] Joel is very resistant to it. “
more than survive
The duo seeks out Joel’s idealistic brother Tommy, who has found purpose in trying to mend this terrifying world. Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD When Terminator: Dark Fate.
“He wants what his brother had first: a family. He wants to plant a seed and watch it grow,” Luna told me via video chat. “He’s looking for a world where he can coexist with nature. It’s no longer always actively killing people. He believes we can really get back to nature.”
Seemingly spearheading the return to civilization are the Fireflies, a group of rebels who oppose the military’s harsh authoritarian rule over survivors. They are led by Marlene who plays. son of anarchy When Cabin attendant actor Merle DandridgeShe told me that fireflies represent “hope” as they are looking for ways to give people back their autonomy.
She also voiced Marlene in the game, so this casting choice will please fans. (Joel and Ellie game actors Troy Baker When Ashley Johnson Also appear in an undisclosed role.) She also confirmed that the work she did for the 2013 original proved useful when she returned to her role on the show, but also confirmed the legendary work the series achieved in the years that followed. This position has opened up new avenues to explore.
“I absolutely revisited my preparations. Over time, your memory can erode the actual facts, so I checked in with Neil to make sure it was correct,” he said. She said. [immerse yourself].”
The best TV and streaming shows of 2023 you can’t miss on Netflix, HBO, Disney Plus and more
See all photos
New 2023 movies from Marvel, Netflix, DC and more
See all photos