*This article contains spoilers from The Last of Us*
Just like the video game it originated from, HBO’s The Last of Us has been receiving nothing but positive reviews from fans. In a genre that one might say is overdone in the entertainment industry, the series proves why it’s a worthy addition. With just two episodes out so far, The Last of Us has become a fan-favorite for those who have played the video game and those who haven’t.
Even though the show hasn’t been on for long, fans are already hoping that it gets renewed for season two as there is so much more to cover from the video games. Well, good news! The Last of Us has been officially renewed for a second season. However, for the fans who have played the video game, this might not be that good of an update as they could have to say goodbye to a favorite character.
The Last of Us Renewed for Season 2
Garnering a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and becoming HBO’s second-biggest premiere, The Last of Us was bound to get a second season. An official confirmation just makes it all the better. Since the first season is maneuvering through the first game, it seems fairly obvious that the second season will be adapting the storyline of The Last of Us: Part II. Given the fact that the second part of the game won more than 320 Game of the Year awards and is one of the best-selling PlayStation 4 games of all time, season two will be one hell of a ride!
Now that the fun part is over, here’s something to worry about. The Last of Us: Part II was not just met with a horde of positive reviews, but with a ton of controversy, as well. Part II shocked the players when it killed off the main and beloved character, Joel, and that too in a horrendous way. Needless to say, fans were devastated by the scene which they had no control over. Now, with the HBO series all set for the second season, fans cannot help but worry about having to bid farewell to Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, one more time.
Me seeing Season 2 announced, and then realizing I already know *that* thing that goes down in S2. pic.twitter.com/8ODh76G9XA
— JD (@jdcalvert_) January 27, 2023
Me so excited and then remembering what’s to come 😁…🫠…😭 pic.twitter.com/Uz1BoSfo8A
— Court Lynn (@CourtStarpoe87) January 27, 2023
Time to mentally prepare ourselves. pic.twitter.com/gOkONuHZbD
— Dagan (@himynameisdagan) January 27, 2023
As cool as this is, that's gonna be one depressing series assuming it's based off part 2. Those who haven't payed the game are in for a treat 😂
— Matt Wood (@woodeiro) January 27, 2023
Ellie, Abby, Dina // Joel pic.twitter.com/9q8CgKQ15X
— Rafael Costa (@costaverso) January 27, 2023
me when i get to THAT scene pic.twitter.com/xcosuxUIks
— daji | saving for yelan 🎲 (@dajisaur) January 27, 2023
Sure there is a possibility that the show does not entirely follow the footsteps of the video game, using creative liberty to keep Joel alive. However, Neil Druckmann put an end to that possibility a while ago. Talking to The Hollywood Reporter, Druckmann compared The Last of Us to Game of Thrones, which surpassed its source material.
“We have no plans to tell any stories beyond adapting the games. We won’t run out into the same issue as Game of Thrones since Part II doesn’t end on a cliffhanger.”
Looks like Druckmann is ready to make the fans go through the rollercoaster of emotions once again. We just hope the response isn’t as brutal as the first time. Laura Bailey, the voice of the character Abby who was responsible for Joel’s death, received a ton of death threats from the fans for what her character did. Even Druckmann wasn’t exempted from the threats. With him not wanting to tread a path different than the games, we can only imagine the overwhelming response that’s to come!
Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin Talk about the Renewal
Although it usually takes a while for a show to get renewed for another season, The Last of Us got that honor just two episodes into the show. Druckmann stated that he was humbled, honored, and overwhelmed with the love Joel and Ellie’s story has been receiving. He talked about working with Craig Mazin and the rest of the crew stating that they all managed to exceed his expectations.
“I’m humbled, honored, and frankly overwhelmed that so many people have tuned in and connected with our retelling of Joel and Ellie’s journey. The collaboration with Craig Mazin, our incredible cast & crew, and HBO exceeded my already high expectations. Now we have the absolute pleasure of being able to do it again with season two! On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog & PlayStation, thank you!”
Showrunner and executive producer Craig Mazin also extended his thanks to the team of The Last of Us as well as to the millions of people who tuned in to watch the show. Mazin added that he couldn’t be more ready to start with season two.
“I’m so grateful to Neil Druckmann and HBO for our partnership, and I’m even more grateful to the millions of people who have joined us on this journey. The audience has given us the chance to continue, and as a fan of the characters and world Neil and Naughty Dog created, I couldn’t be more ready to dive back in.”
Just like Druckmann and Mazin, fans cannot wait to see where the show goes next. For now, though, viewers already have a lot on their plate as season one is just getting started!
The Last of Us is available to stream on HBO Max with new episodes airing every Sunday.
Source: Twitter | The Last of Us
