(Image credit: Max)
The Last of Us showrunner and creator Neil Druckmann reassures that he’s not overly concerned about the fanbase’s reaction to the upcoming season 2. “The best way we could respect our fans and honor them is to not worry about them when we’re crafting the thing because outside influence or pressure doesn’t lead you to good creative choices,” Druckmann shared with GamesRadar+.
When the announcement of season 2 first emerged, discussions buzzed among fans about a myriad of topics ranging from the potential aging of Bella Ramsey to casting the ideal Abby. Would it be possible to condense the entire game into a single season? Given the cherished status of season 1 among dedicated followers, there’s a palpable mix of excitement and speculation about what’s next. Druckmann, the mastermind behind the game series, together with co-showrunner Craig Mazin, firmly believes that their decisions for the TV adaptation were the “correct” ones.
The pair is known for their painstaking approach to evaluating every element within the show. “Craig and I are just very meticulous in how we interrogate every moment, every creative choice, to ensure we are picking what Craig likes to call ‘the correct one.’ And it’s the correct one for The Last of Us in this medium, a choice that may differ from what would be best in the video game format,” Druckmann emphasizes.
One significant decision involves expanding Part 2 over multiple seasons. Mazin suggests that four seasons could provide just the right span. This approach aligns well with the extensive nature of the game. For context, The Last of Us Part 1 requires approximately 15 hours for the main story, extending to 25 hours for 100% completion. Consequently, it was adapted into nine hour-long episodes. Meanwhile, The Last of Us Part 2 demands around 22-26 hours for the main narrative but can expand to 42 hours to achieve full completion, justifying its adaptation over several seasons.
Neil Druckmann continues, “Our main concern is whether we are utilizing the resources and the time we have to make the best decisions for the most compelling show possible.” Anticipation builds as The Last of Us season 2 premieres on HBO and Max on April 13. For those keen on exploring more, consider checking out our guide to the best Max shows and the best Max movies available for streaming.