The Emmy Winning HBO Limited Series That Convinced Neil Druckmann ‘The Last of Us’ Needs its Own Show

HBO’s award-winning post-apocalyptic TV series, The Last of Us made waves ever since it premiered in 2023. Based on Naughty Dog’s video game franchise of the same name, the show was created by Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.

However, what most fans don’t know is that the show wouldn’t exist if not for another HBO miniseries. Druckmann, who was the writer and studio head of Naughty Dog, wasn’t planning to take the game onscreen. It was Mazin’s Chernobyl that had such a powerful impact on the writer that he immediately agreed to collaborate with the director.

Disaster Meets Dystopia: The miniseries which inspired The Last of Us‘ TV debut

The Last of Us video game series was first released in 2013 and followed by several additions. Created by Naughty Dog‘s studio head Neil Druckmann and game director Bruce Straley, it became widely popular among PlayStation users.

At first, Druckmann had no intention of a TV adaptation, but on seeing the 2019 miniseries Chernobyl his stance changed. According to a report by Variety, it was the moving narrative of the nuclear disaster that inspired the imminent series.

I just wanted to meet the guy and just gush about how much I love [‘Chernobyl’], and pick his brain about how he put it together, and how he wrote it and how long was he working on it.

The creative director loved the series and wanted to meet the brain behind it, Craig Mazin. Upon meeting the famed director, the conversation approached the game and creativity struck the talented duo.

He started talking about ‘The Last of Us’ and talking about it in such an intimate, fundamental way of understanding what it was that I’m like, Oh my God, this guy’s in love with this game that we’ve made.

Their mutual admiration for each other’s works developed into an understanding, and they joined hands to collaborate. Gradually, The Last of Us premiered on HBO in 2023.

Infectious Storytelling: From Pixels to Primetime

The TV series went on to become one of the best post-apocalyptic drama series. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey were cast to portray the lead characters of Joel and Ellie.

It is not wrong to say that this show transformed the associated actors’ careers and skyrocketed Pascal to fame. The show’s first season scored a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and also gained positive critical response.

With Chernobyl, Craig and HBO created a tense, harrowing, emotional masterpiece. I couldn’t think of better partners to bring the story of The Last of Us to life as a television show.

Druckmann highlighted the inspiration behind his approach to the TV adaptation while praising Mazin in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. The fact that the show won eight Primetime Emmy Awards and had several nominations is a proof of its excellent adaptation.

The two directors worked together to bring their best for fans of both the original video game and action dramas. The show’s not over yet as talks of a new season have already begun. Fans are excited about what’s in store for their favorite characters.

The Last of Us is currently available to watch on Max.