Pedro Pascal’s The Last of Us is certainly one of the greatest TV series based on the 2013 video game developed by Naughty Dog, thanks to its captivating story, stunning graphics, and lovable characters. As a result, fans rejoiced when HBO announced a second season, which will begin filming in British Columbia in 2024. But after hearing about a recent update regarding Season 2, fans are beginning to feel uneasy.
Well, fans are concerned because video game adaptations for films or TV series rarely stand the test of time. Also, season 2’s plot will take a more nuanced turn, and considering Hollywood’s track record of imaginatively altering the original material for video game adaptations, there is a good chance of some significant blunder.
Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann’s HBO series revolves around Joel (Pedro Pascal), a smuggler tasked with escorting Ellie (Bella Ramsey) through the post-apocalyptic United States.
Also Read: Pedro Pascal Became a Reluctant Daddy in a Forgotten Sci-Fi Movie Way Before ‘The Last of Us’
Craig Mazin Teases The Last of Us Season 2 Start Date in February
Filming for The Last of Us’ second season will begin on February 12. Showrunner Craig Mazin revealed the production start date during a panel discussion moderated by senior TV features editor Emily Longeretta at Variety’s A Night in the Writers’ Room. According to TheWrap, the upcoming season, which picks up five years after the first and finds Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel ( Pedro Pascal) settled in Jackson, Wyoming, will be the main focus of season two.
Prior to the start of the WGA strike, Mazin informed TheWrap in August:
“Gone through and sort of broken a story for the season, which contemplates more than just a Season 2. I did write the first episode and was able to get that in before the strike, which is good. It kind of gives something for some of our team to work on.”
When it came to modifying the source material, Mazin made it clear that he and Neil Druckmann would do so as
“We see fit, to expand where we want, a bridge where we want, to change where we want, and to keep things exactly the same where we want.”
Mazin stressed that he is “always careful to say that we do not really talk about what might or might not happen” in response to questions regarding how particular story points from the second game would be handled. He added:
“Even if it’s something that feels fundamental to the source material, it might, it might not. I just never want to kind of passively confirm anything because we do things strangely sometimes and sometimes we do them exactly where the game is and that’ll be something that the audience will uncover and experience as it happens.”
Critics praised The Last of Us, which also garnered an incredible 24 Emmy nominations for its first season.
Pedro Pascal Fans’ Concerns Following The Last Of Us Season 2 Update
Let us face it: when it comes to adapting video games for the big or small screen, Hollywood has a mixed record. Many fans recall the disappointments caused by previous game-to-movie adaptations, in which studios took creative liberties that resulted in disappointing results. Following The Last of Us‘ Season 2 update, fans have maintained that these adaptations frequently fail to capture the spirit of the original work, leaving them disillusioned and angry. Let us take a look at some fan responses.
One feared:
🎬
I’m so terrified that they’re going to mess this up…
The Last of Us – Season 2 is a mountain compared the the flat lands of the first season.
— AIEXODUS (@AIEXODUS) December 1, 2023
Another claimed:
It’s gonna bomb because of one poorly written character, I can already sense it.
— Ur Bank Account 💰💸 (@_UrBankAccount_) December 2, 2023
One fan was both excited and scared, sharing:
I am both so excited and scared. I loved S1 so much but terrified it will mess up joel and ellie dynamic and if I heared by accident about Joel is true I will be devestated and furious
— Katie 💖💕🧘🧚🏼♀️ (@Hvstmn1984) December 2, 2023
One mentioned:
I have no idea how this is gonna go. It’s either gonna be mindblowingly good or just absolutely terrible.
— Jenny (در جهان موازی) (@JennyNFTB) December 1, 2023
Another chimed:
Great, season 1 was awful, can’t wait to see them mess up season 2 as well.
— JPEndureSurvive (@JPEndureSurvive) December 1, 2023
Their worries about possible creative liberties ruining the show are not unfounded, given Hollywood’s history with game adaptations. When used properly, creative liberties can do wonders, but fans worry that they could hurt The Last of Us series. Regardless, The Last of Us season 2’s latest update should be exciting news for fans of the first season.
Season 1 of The Last of Us is streaming on Max.
Read More: The Mandalorian Season 4 Suffers Devastating Blow, Pedro Pascal Reportedly Won’t Return for Filming
