The Last of Us Part 2 will be adapted into the new season of the series, but it will be possible to see never-before-seen scenes in the remastered version of the game.
Blending the art of video games with television narrative, the HBO series “The Last of Us” is gearing up to bring never-before-seen scenes from its console counterpart, “The Last of Us Part II” to the small screen. In the year Expectations are growing that the second season, which is slated to begin filming in early 2024, could include adapting these discarded pieces.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, series promoter Neil Druckmann revealed weekly details about the PlayStation 5 remake of “The Last of Us Part II.” This version includes additional sequences called “Lost Levels” that were removed from the PlayStation 4 version. Druckman has hinted that at least one element of these scraps could be incorporated into the HBO series, although they haven’t started filming yet and everything is subject to change.
The Lost Levels represent a unique opportunity for fans of the saga. Druckmann described this inclusion as an attempt to “lift the veil on the development process” and give players a glimpse of what was included and discarded in the final game. One of the scenes featured in the game’s introduction to the PS5 featured Ellie following a trail of blood and an extended party scene in Jackson that brings her into Ellie’s life in the city.
preparation for production
Before the SAG-AFTRA strike ended, HBO president and CEO Casey Bloys announced that production on a second season of “The Last of Us” would begin in early 2024. Druckman’s co-showrunner Craig Mazin has already mapped out the entire second season and written the script for the first episode before the Writers Guild of America strike.
It’s still unclear how the story of “The Last of Us Part II” will be adapted into the series, a game that has received critical acclaim and is controversial for its narrative choices. Rumors suggest that actress Caitlin Dever is in talks to play antagonist Abby Anderson, alongside Bella Ramsay and Pedro Pascal, who will play Ellie and Joel.
TV event
The first season of the HBO series was an emotional ride, faithfully adapting the story of the original game. The series explores the trials and tribulations of a post-apocalyptic world, focusing on the relationship between Joel and Ellie, brilliantly played by Pedro Pascal and Bela Ramsey. From its surprising narrative twists to its moments of deep human connection, it has managed to capture the essence of the game, creating a unique connection with fans and critics alike.
Since its launch, the HBO series has broken viewership records on HBO Max in Latin America and Europe and received praise from critics and viewers alike. With 8.2 million views on television and the streaming season finale and 24 Emmy Award nominations, “The Last of Us” established itself as a milestone in the adaptation of video games to television series.
“The Last of Us” continues to expand beyond consoles, weaving its story into the television narrative. With the upcoming season promising to explore uncharted territories of the game, the series is positioned not only as a bridge between media, but also as a benchmark in adapting interactive stories to the screen.