Last Of Us Season 2 Being Changed Because Of New Game
Gizmodo reports that Last of Us showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann are turning to the upcoming video game remaster to inspire the writing process for season 2. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, game creator and series co-showrunner Neil Druckmann has suggested that levels and scenes that were cut from the original release of The Last of Us Part II will be featured in the upcoming PlayStation 5 remaster. But how much of the game’s updated lore will make it into the series remains to be seen, as the lost levels aren’t fully finished as of this writing.
Season 2 Still In Early Development
It’s worth noting, however, that Mazin and Druckmann are still in the early development phases for The Last of Us season 2, which doesn’t start production until early 2024. In other words, Druckmann is working on two fronts. Not only is he revisiting the video game that inspired the series, he’s also using the game’s remaster to inform what direction the series will take if any new developments make sense within the series’ context.
More Of Jackson, Wyoming
One updated level in the Last of Us Part II will include an extended party scene set in Jackson, Wyoming that will provide insight into the thriving community where Joel and Ellie will likely reside in season 2.
But we may be getting ahead of ourselves, as Druckmann has stated that they’re still working out the details for The Last of Us season 2. Like most video game adaptations, it’s not outside the realm of the possibility that Mazin and Druckmann will decide to deviate from the source material if it better serves the series’ storytelling.
If you’re a fan of the series, but haven’t played the video game, you may want to read with caution, as the next couple of paragraphs contain spoilers.
Pedro Pascal In Season 2
One issue that hasn’t been addressed is how the series will handle Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) death. Gamers are well aware of the fact that Joel gets murdered by Abby in the first act of the The Last of Us Part II, and we’re not quite sure how this will translate to season 2 of the series.
If the The Last of Us remains true to its source material, then Pascal won’t get very much screen time in season 2. But since his character is so well-received by fans of the series, killing him off in the first episode could alienate the series’ core audience. Conversely, by not sticking to the story that’s presented in the video game, the series could potentially alienate fans of the game who have enjoyed the series for being so faithful to the game’s lore up to this point in time.
Will Season 2 Live Up To The Hype?
Fortunately, the series is in good hands, and it seems like both Mazin and Druckmann are devoted to telling the best story they possibly can. Either way, it’s safe to assume that the same amount of care and attention to detail that The Last of Us was praised for with its first season will carry over into season 2. But in the meantime we’re going to have to wait to see how everything will shake out.
When Does Season 2 Release?
As of this writing, The Last of Us season 2 is scheduled for an early 2024 production schedule, and will likely not premiere until sometime in 2025.
