Story and Adaptation Differences
The HBO series The Last of Us adapts the 2013 PlayStation game developed by Naughty Dog, with the first season covering the original storyline while expanding key scenes for television. The series premiered on January 15, 2023, and was renewed for a second season after strong viewership, with HBO confirming the adaptation continues into the events of the game's sequel material and related narrative extensions.
In the game, players control Ellie directly through action-adventure sequences, while the series shifts to a linear, character-driven format with expanded scenes for supporting characters such as Tess and Bill. The showrunners, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, stated that the adaptation preserves the core plot beats while restructuring dialogue and pacing for a weekly broadcast format.
Characters and Casting
Ellie is portrayed by Bella Ramsey in the HBO series, while Ashley Johnson voiced and performed motion capture for the character in the original game and its remastered versions. Ramsey's casting was announced in February 2021, and her performance has been cited by multiple outlets as a central factor in the show's early critical reception.
Joel is played by Pedro Pascal in the series, while Troy Baker provided voice and motion capture for the character in the game. The series introduced expanded scenes for characters like Maria and Jesse, and HBO confirmed that season 2 will feature a broader ensemble cast aligned with the game's later narrative arcs.
Production and Release Timeline
Production for the first season took place primarily in Alberta, Canada, with filming beginning in July 2021 and wrapping in late 2022, and the series was produced by PlayStation Productions, Sony Pictures Television, and The Mighty Mint in association with Word Games and PlayStation Productions.
The second season entered development after the first season's finale, with Druckmann and Mazin returning as showrunners and a confirmed cast that includes returning actors and new additions. HBO has not yet announced a premiere date for season 2, though industry reporting indicates principal photography is scheduled to begin in 2024 with a targeted release window in the following years.