Yesterday it was confirmed that a TV series based on Naughty Dog’sThe Last of Usgames is in production at HBO. Theseries will be a collaboration between Naughty Dog, HBO, and SonywithThe Last of Us' director Neil Druckmann attached to write alongside Craig Mazin, the creator of HBO’sChernobyl.
However, an IGN report confirmed the new TV series would be replacingThe Last of Usfilm that had been in development through Sony’s Screen Gems movie label since 2014. IGN also says the project has been moved under the PlayStation Productions label, which is responsible for theUnchartedmovie as well.
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News abouta movie based onThe Last of Usstalled around 2016 when it became obvious the production was marred by a troubled development cycle. It’s currently unknown exactly when the new series replacing that movie will be released, but Druckmann has said that Naughty Dog will be prioritizing the release ofThe Last of Us Part 2first and foremost.
While the direct involvement of Mazin is big news for the video game adaptation given the acclaimChernobylhas garnered since it was released in mid-2019, HBO also has some legs to stand on in terms of its recent popular culture adaptations. TheHBO sequel series to Alan Moore’sWatchmengraphic novel was another hugely popular drama the network released last year.
It would certainly be great to see Sony and Naughty Dog get a substantial “win” in their game adaptation column. TheUnchartedprequel movie starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg was delayed again at the beginning of 2020, but has recently picked up steam withRuben Fleischer ofZombielandfame taking over as director.
While that project seems a little too far into development to completely change gears and become a TV series,The Last of Uscould pan out wonderfully with a more long-form structure of storytelling. Even though the first game was highly acclaimed for its narrative, there’splenty more inThe Last of Us' universe to explore.
The Last of Usis in development at HBO.
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