Last month, gamers returned to the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us when the long-awaited sequel finally arrived for PlayStation 4. But even after The Last of Us Part II, fans of the series still have HBO’s upcoming TV adaptation to look forward to. Although the original game is already very cinematic in its presentation, writer Craig Mazin insists that Joel and Ellie are in good hands.
Mazin discussed his approach to the series while appearing on BBC Radio 5’s Chernobyl Special (via IGN). As the title suggests, the conversation revolved around Mazin’s work as the creator of last year’s Chernobyl miniseries. But when asked about The Last of Us, he explained how telling the story in a serialized, hour-long format allows the game’s world to be even richer with detail.
“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,” said Mazin. “In this case, I’m doing it with the guy who did it, and so the changes that we’re making are designed to fill things out and expand, not to undo, but rather to enhance.”
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In this case, “the guy who did it” is Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann. He is working alongside Mazin as a co-writer. Mazin also confessed that he understands how expectations are high for the series. But fortunately, he’s a fan himself.
“We’re creating anew and we’re also reimagining what is already there to present a different format,” added Mazin. “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!”
HBO hasn’t set a premiere date yet for The Last of Us.
Do you think Mazin will do a good job of adapting the game? Let us know in the comments down below!
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