What can we deduce about The Last of Us TV show? Well, whatever details we discover today, there is no denying that plenty of pressure rests solely on the showrunner's shoulders. After all, there is, of course, so much at stake.
Besides, The Last of Us was one of the defining games of its generation. Thus, picking up a slew of awards. While simultaneously being the subject of widespread acclaim from both players and critics alike. That is going to be difficult to trump, by any leap of the imagination.
Video games and the silver screen often share similar traits. Regularly though, the transition, whichever way round it goes, gets lost in translation. On that note, the video game industry's track record when it comes to successful adaptions offers up slim pickings.
In real terms, you could probably calculate on the one hand the number of successful spin-offs. Yet unlike Jordan Vogt Robert's bold move to make Metal Gear Solid into a movie, The Last of Us has decided to adopt a different path.
Join us today, as we take an exciting glimpse at The Last of Us TV show. Can it make the same indelible mark it did on the video game industry? I pose this question, as the transition to TV has always been tough, but if any game carries the potential to penetrate the episodic market, it is going to be The Last of Us.
So, without further dither or delay, let us get stuck into the matter at hand.
Who's Steering the Ship?
We now know that Craig Mazin will act as the show's producer. Now, you may know him from acclaimed HBO miniseries Chernobyl, among other works, in which he served as a lead creator.
When talking about the much-hyped TV adaptation of Naughty Dog's beloved survival horror series, Craig Mazin said he intends to "expand" on the story.
In a BBC Radia 5 Live's Chernobyl Special, in which he spoke of the challenges when adapting such a well-liked and widely regarded franchise to TV, Mazin put fans minds at ease. Hence, stating that rather than "undo" any source material, which might as well be sacrosanct at this point, the idea is to instead "expand" on existing canon.
All things taken as true; I think this is a wise way to go about things. Plus, we know how swiftly fans can turn on a show. Even so, I am excited about this statement. Better still, I think it demonstrates the sort of tender loving care, and strict attentiveness this story needs.
Whether that translates into The Last of Us TV show, we must wait and see. Fingers firmly crossed it does.
Craig Mazin Opens Up About the Last of Us TV Show
During the interview, Mazin also explains how critical staying faithful to the game series and keeping the core story is when moulding a new tale from existing lore seemingly.
"I think fans of something worry that, when the property gets licensed to someone else, those people don't really understand it, or are going to change it," Mazin stated. "In this case, I'm doing [the show] with the guy who [made the game], and so the changes that we're making are designed to fill things out and expand, not to undo, but rather to enhance [the original story]. "We're creating anew and we're also reimagining what is already there to present a different format," Mazin concluded. It's kind of a dream come true for me. I'm a little bit scared because a lot of emotions connected to this game are rather intense. I think I'm probably going to go hide in a bunker for a while because you can't make everyone happy."
Understandably, you can see here that Craig Mazin is a little apprehensive concerning potential fan feedback. It is true. Realistically, you cannot satisfy everyone, all the time.
However, I do respect the fact that Craig Mazin knows not just how pivotal the Last of Us story is, but also how emotionally invested players are, and that must count for something.
Let us hope The Last of Us TV show gets the balance right.
What Could the Show Have in Store?
Right. Now is where we allow the mind to wander freely. Meanwhile, the future possibilities are openly endless. What will likely appease the doubts of the franchise's fanbase, though, is that Craig Mazin appears to be an avid gamer.
Back on March 6, 2020, Mazin took to Twitter to reel off his ultimate list of all-time favourite video games, in no particular order. While cycling through this list, we see a whole tonne of exemplary titles. For instance, games like Ocarina of Time, Half-Life, Bioshock, Oblivion and Mass Effect instantly spring to mind.
Perhaps it should issue no shock that TLOU sits pretty on the top spot. And for many, that notability will ring true. In another Twitter post, Craig confirmed that Ellie's sexual orientation would remain intact. So, authenticity appears to be the main aim.
The show supposedly based on the initial entry, may according to Sony, include "additional content" from the sequel. However, that seems to be somewhat of a sore subject for some players.
So, any enthesis may well stay on the original game.
Our Verdict: The Last of Us TV Show
The Last of Us is no ordinary action-adventure. For many, it stands proudly as one of the greatest games of its generation, setting the benchmark for storytelling pedigree. Inevitably then, a lot is riding on the upcoming adaptation.
I think once we glean more info concerning cast members, we can start to formulate further opinions, but honestly, I am hugely excited to see what HBO have in store.
What do you think? Is HBO on to a winner here? Or is the original, The Last of Us story one better left alone? As always, we look forward to your impressions. So please, send us any suggestions below.
I am only glad we got through this one without giving away any soul-destroying spoilers! I take that as a win! Bring on The Last of Us TV show.