The Last of Us show in development for HBO is based on the original PS3 game–at least for its first season–but fans shouldn’t expect to know exactly what happens. In fact, there are certain parts where it will differ pretty significantly from the original material. Just what those parts are is, of course, still a secret.
Speaking to IGN during SXSW 2021, Neil Druckmann, who wrote and served as creative director for both games and is executive producing the show, said the action level will be toned down on the show. It’s less necessary when there are no mechanics to teach, allowing the writers to spend more time focused on the drama between the characters. Additionally, there will be points where events are completely different from the game.
“Some of my favorite episodes so far have deviated greatly from the story, and I can’t wait for people to see them,” he added.
The Last of Us is very long for a linear, story-based game, easily clocking in at more than 20 hours, and since the adaptation is a series rather than a movie, that gives Druckmann and co-writer Craig Mazin plenty of opportunities to tweak story beats. At other times, lines will be basically verbatim from the game.
Years ago, Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams said she wanted to play Ellie in a movie adaptation. It seemed like the perfect role at the time, but the character is supposed to be 14 and at this point, Williams is 23. The leads eventually cast were Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, both of whom just so happened to be on Game of Thrones. In Pascal’s case, he’s also attracted significant attention for The Mandalorian and a variety of film roles.
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