HBO’s The Last of Us has cracked the code for video game adaptations, meticulously recreating one of the industry’s best-loved stories, generating record-shattering numbers in the process. Now, just two episodes in, HBO has officially greenlit The Last of Us season two, continuing the adventures of Ellie and Joel as they fight for survival in a cruel new world. Considering how popular the series has already become, the renewal news isn’t surprising at all.
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HBO’s news release mentions that The Last of Us’ premiere was the cabler’s second-biggest launch of a series, coming in after House of the Dragon‘s release. The series even witnessed its viewers grow by more than 20 per cent for the second episode. In the release, Neil Druckmann, the show’s executive producer and writer/creative director of the game said, “I’m humbled, honoured, 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!”
Both Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann had previously expressed their desires to turn the game’s sequel into a full-fledged season if given a chance. Druckmann once shared his mind regarding the show’s future and what season two might shape up to be. He told The Hollywood Reporter, “We have no plans to tell any stories beyond adapting the games. We won’t run into the same issue as Game of Thrones since Part II doesn’t end on a cliffhanger.”
Season two of HBO’s hit thriller will depict instances from 2018’s The Last of Us Part II, telling us a dark and grim story of a now much older Ellie, who sets out in revenge for the murder of (you know who). We ain’t giving no spoilers here. The show will also introduce us to a brand new character named Abby, who like Ellie is seeking revenge too.
As of writing, no further details have been shared. Given season one premiered just last month, work on The Last of Us season two might not start until next year. A lot goes into making such high-budget drama shows and HBO is definitely in for the long haul here. So don’t expect season two anytime soon.
“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,” said Mazin regarding season two being greenlighted. “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.”
