The conclusion of the Last of Us series has sparked debates about Joel’s choices and morality. However, it has also left fans longing for more of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey’s emotionally-charged adventures. Fortunately, HBO has already given the green light for a second season, which will continue the story from the events of the Last of Us: Part II game. Co-creator Neil Druckmann has confirmed this exciting news, while Craig Mazin, who directed several episodes of the series, had previously hinted at the possibility of adapting the sequel if the first season proved successful. Now, with all nine episodes released, the show has shattered records and achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success.
According to HBO, the finale of the Last of Us drew its highest viewership of 8.2 million, even with the competition of the 2023 Oscars ceremony airing at the same time. This episode, titled “Look for the Light,” surpassed the previous week’s record of 8.1 million viewers, representing a 75 percent increase in traffic compared to the series premiere, which garnered 4.7 million viewers. These figures were calculated based on Nielsen and first-party data from HBO Max and linear telecasts, averaging a total of 30.4 million viewers across the first six episodes. It is worth noting that these numbers do not include viewership from Disney+ Hotstar.
However, starting from March 31, HBO content like the Last of Us will no longer be available on Disney+ Hotstar. Despite this setback, fans can still look forward to the second season. In a recent interview with GQ, the co-creators provided some insights into what viewers can expect from the upcoming season.
The second season of the Last of Us was announced early into the first season, demonstrating HBO’s confidence in this video game adaptation. Lead actor Pedro Pascal mentioned in an interview that filming for season 2 might commence this year. Given HBO’s track record with their prestigious shows, it is likely that we could see season 2 premiere sometime in 2024.
Co-creator Craig Mazin, in an interview with The Washington Post, stated that the first season of the Last of Us took a total of 200 days to film, following a production schedule similar to that of a feature film. This meticulous approach involved spending 18-19 days on each episode, ensuring attention to detail and quality. Additional months were dedicated to perfecting the special effects. Filming for the first season started in July 2021, in Alberta, Canada.
Although the original video game was expansive, Mazin was determined to tell the story in just nine episodes. He had numerous discussions with original writer Neil Druckmann to preserve the lore and decide on any necessary deviations. However, the Last of Us: Part II is a longer game with intense action sequences that drive the narrative, delving into the theme of vengeance and the capacity to forgive. Given the direct relationship between the action and specific conflicts in the game, it might be challenging to incorporate sporadic action sequences in the same way as the first season. In the GQ interview, the creators confirmed that depicting the events of Part II would require more than one season. While it remains unknown if the arc will be completed in season 3 or continue further, Mazin emphasized the goal of delivering a show that satisfies the fans. He also acknowledged the audience’s fondness for the limited appearance of infected clickers (zombies) in the first season, promising some exciting developments in season 2.
The second season will see the return of the talented actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, reprising their roles as Joel and Ellie, respectively. Ramsey expressed her desire to play Ellie indefinitely, and Druckmann shares this sentiment, declaring that they would only recast Ramsey if she no longer wanted to continue with the role. However, the general consensus has grown to appreciate Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie, even though initially, her casting received criticism from fans due to her appearance not matching the in-game character. It is important to note that while Ramsey is the same age as Ellie in real life (19), her youthful appearance may create a slight disparity with Ellie’s character trajectory in The Last of Us Part II. Joel’s character may also appear older, with a thinner frame, more gray hair, and wrinkles.
Though not explicitly mentioned, Gabriel Luna and Rutina Wesley are expected to return as Joel’s brother Tommy and his wife Maria, respectively. Both characters played significant roles in the 2020 game. No details have been revealed about new characters in The Last of Us Season 2.
The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us will continue the story from the polarizing yet critically acclaimed sequel, The Last of Us Part II. Taking place four years after the first game, the season begins with a time jump, showcasing Ellie’s life in Jackson, Wyoming, alongside Joel, Tommy, and her girlfriend Dina. However, the relationship between Joel and Ellie has become strained due to the events that unfolded at the end of the first season, where Ellie questions whether Joel told her the truth about the events at the Fireflies’ base.
Without giving away too many spoilers, the first season concluded with Joel’s drastic actions to save Ellie from surgery. In doing so, Joel unwittingly sets off a chain of consequences that he could not have foreseen. If the creators intend to follow the events of The Last of Us Part II closely, viewers should brace themselves for a captivating and unpredictable storyline in the second season.
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
