The Last Of Us Season 1 Finale Shatters Records: Anticipating What’s Next in Season 2
On March 12th, 2023, the airwaves were dominated by the gripping finale of HBO’s acclaimed series, “The Last Of Us.” This adaptation of the namesake video game has not only captured the imagination of millions but has also rewritten viewing records in an era dominated by movies coming out in 2024 and the buzz surrounding the new scream movie 2023.
The finale of the 1st season of “The Last of Us” was released on March 12 / photo by HBO
With a staggering 8.2 million viewers tuning in for the ninth episode, it was a surprise hit even amidst the glamorous backdrop of the Oscar awards ceremony. HBO’s data reveals that in just a few weeks, the series witnessed a phenomenal rise in viewership, with the overall count reaching an impressive 30.4 million, surpassing even the likes of “House of the Dragon.”
As the fervor surrounding the first season begins to settle, avid fans and newcomers alike are already turning their eyes towards the horizon, eagerly speculating about what awaits in the much-anticipated second season.
The Last Of Us Series: HBO Greenlights Season 2 – Here’s What We Know
While there are yet to be specific timelines for the commencement of shooting and the release date of the much-anticipated second season, show creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have generously shed some light on the series’ future.
So, what’s a fan to do while waiting for the next dose of apocalyptic tension and clicker-fighting action? Well, if you’re seeking thrills but would rather not have to kill zombies for it, have you considered taking a gamble… but safely from your home?
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Now, before any clickers hear us, let’s dive back into the post-apocalyptic drama!
Druckmann has revealed that the storyline will closely follow “The Last Of Us: Part II”, a game which debuted in 2020, a good seven years after its precursor. Interestingly, as discussions about “Quentin Tarantino movies ranked” continue to captivate movie buffs, he pointed out that the adaptation of this part of the game might span more than just one season. The reason? He labels the second part of the game as considerably intricate, laden with numerous flashbacks and a plethora of new characters.
Adding more to the excitement, the upcoming season promises viewers even more action and a heightened presence of the infected. The showrunners acknowledge their conscious decision in the adaptation to accentuate the dramatic moments. Their aim? To avoid turning the series into a mere compilation of brawls and killings, which tends to be the case during the game’s playthrough.
“I’m uncertain about your final kill count in a typical ‘The Last Of Us’ playthrough, but it’s certainly measured in triple digits,” noted Mazin.
“That’s a lot more than what we envisioned for the show,” Druckmann chimed in.
Season 2 will also witness the return of some beloved characters: Joel Miller (played by Pedro Pascal), Ellie (portrayed by Bella Ramsey), Tommy Miller (Gabriel Luna), and Maria (Rutina Wesley).
However, how strictly the continuation will adhere to the game remains a mystery. While the first season largely mirrored the game’s storyline, the second game, set five years after the finale of the first, possesses plot twists that might not sit well with many series aficionados.
Production for “The Last of Us” Season 2 has yet to kick off. Although the series earned a renewal for its second season in January 2023, unforeseen challenges such as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and an ongoing dispute involving writers and actors have pushed back its commencement.
Francesca Orsi, the leading figure at HBO Drama, has tentatively set the season’s debut for 2025. Yet, with the unpredictable nature of the pandemic and the industry strike, this timeline remains fluid.
Stay tuned, as I’ll be closely monitoring updates and will relay any fresh information regarding “The Last of Us” Season 2’s production.
Unrest in Hollywood: Strikes Bring Productions to a Standstill
Commencing on May 1, 2023, the scribes of the entertainment world voiced their concerns, followed by the actors on June 15, 2023. Both parties have risen in protest against discrepancies in compensation, residuals, and overall work environment.
The Writers Guild of America, West (WGA West) is at the forefront of the writers’ demonstration, while the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) champions the actors’ cause.
These collective movements have rippled across the entertainment sector, stalling many silver screen and television ventures. Among the affected is the anticipated “The Last of Us Season 2”, which is currently in limbo because of the strikes.
The culmination of these strikes remains shrouded in uncertainty. While both representative bodies express readiness for dialogue, a middle ground is yet to be found.
“Joke Break! No Zombies or Clickers Allowed!”
When Ellie asked Joel from “The Last of Us” if he had tried the casino Admiral online games, he replied, “Every time I hear a slot machine click, I think it’s a Clicker coming for me!”
The Evolution of “The Last of Us” Series: Casting Speculations and Plot Teasers
As the post-apocalyptic world of “The Last of Us” grows richer and deeper in its narrative, the forthcoming season raises intriguing questions, mostly revolving around its ensemble of characters and the potential direction of the plot.
With Bella Ramsey, known for her iconic role in “Game of Thrones”, delivering a commendable portrayal of Ellie, and Pedro Pascal, the star behind the Mandalorian’s helmet, breathing life into Joel’s character, the series set high expectations. But with the narrative hinting at Joel’s tragic end and the spotlight shifting predominantly to Ellie, many wonder about Pascal’s involvement in the upcoming season. Will the actor, who has become synonymous with iconic names in the industry, merely be a ghost of Ellie’s past, making brief appearances in her memories?
“Joke Break! No Zombies or Clickers Allowed!”
What’s Clicker’s favorite song? “Can’t Stop Clicking”!
While the return of actors like Gabriel Luna (Thomas), Anna Torv (Michelle), Merl Dendridge (Marlin), and Melanie Lynskey (Kim) seems promising, the anticipation primarily revolves around new entrants to this post-pandemic world. Abby Anderson, a pivotal character from the second game, and Ellie’s love interest, Dina, are two significant additions to look forward to.
Returning & Potential New Cast Members:
| Actor/Actress | Character | Status |
| Bella Ramsey | Ellie | Returning |
| Pedro Pascal | Joel | Speculated |
| Gabriel Luna | Thomas | Returning |
| Anna Torv | Michelle | Returning |
| Merl Dendridge | Marlin | Returning |
| Melanie Lynskey | Kim | Returning |
| Shannon Berry (?) | Abby Anderson | Speculated |
| Unknown | Dina | New Addition |
| Unknown | Kate Asher | New Addition |
| Unknown | Lev | New Addition |
Bella Ramsey’s transition to a more mature Ellie is noteworthy. Now 19, she perfectly fits into the age progression depicted in the second game. Director, producer, and scriptwriter Craig Mazin light-heartedly commented on her rigorous “preparation” – jestingly suggesting a diet of undiluted whiskey, spoiled beef, and excessive smoking. While the jest paints a humorous picture, it underscores the drastic journey Ellie undergoes in this chapter of her life.
Yet, the biggest piece of the puzzle remains Pedro Pascal’s role, or potential lack thereof. The actor’s commanding presence has left an indelible mark on the series, with Ramsey herself admitting her apprehension about the possible absence of Pascal’s character. “Knowing what transpires in the second game and considering the possibility of Pedro’s hiatus saddens me deeply,” shares Ramsey.
In a curious turn of events, fans speculate Shannon Berry might step into Abby’s shoes. The conjecture isn’t baseless. Both Mazin and Druckmann, key figures behind the series, recently followed her on Instagram, adding fuel to the speculation.
As the world waits with bated breath, the intricacies of the plot and the ensemble cast promise to deliver another riveting season of “The Last of Us.” Only time will divulge the truths hidden in the post-apocalyptic mists.
Unveiling Shadows: Spoilers and Teasers for Season Two
The Last of Us Part II / photo by Naughty Dog
Joel destroyed humanity’s last hope for survival. The Firefly massacre was an astonishingly brutal act that may have its justifications but ultimately doesn’t deserve forgiveness.
And you think this decision will remain in the past and a happy future awaits us?
Oh no, friends! The first season was just a warm-up for a truly brutal tale of revenge, self-discovery, and redemption.
So, let’s delve into some intriguing spoilers for the second season. Though, we’ve still kept the season finale under wraps.
- After their return to Jackson, the protagonists try to lead their regular, normal lives. However, Ellie is haunted by one pressing question: What really happened in that hospital?
- Ellie seared her scar with a chemical solution to ensure no one would suspect she’s infected.
- Determined to uncover the truth, Ellie decides to revisit the hospital. However, she finds it abandoned. The only clarity she receives is that Joel, on the same day he exterminated everyone in the hospital, also killed the one person who would have developed a vaccine – the doctor.
- In the second season of ‘The Last of Us‘, love sparks for our main heroine.
- Tommy and Joel stumble upon a new group of survivors led by Abby. But as soon as the group learns of the brothers’ identities, they kill Joel. Ellie witnesses this horrifying act.
- Driven by vengeance, Ellie and her friend embark on a quest to hunt down Abby.
- Abby Hale is the daughter of the doctor who Joel kills at the end of the first season.
- And yet, Abby isn’t as malevolent as she initially appears to be.
In Search of Redemption and Truth
As the tangled web of betrayal, revenge, and haunted memories unfolds in the second season of ‘The Last of Us’, viewers are drawn deeper into the raw emotional and moral complexities of a post-apocalyptic world. The paths of Ellie and Abby, intertwined by the ghosts of their pasts, challenge the very essence of humanity: Is revenge truly the path to closure? Can forgiveness and understanding emerge from the depths of pain? And amid the harrowing journey, love and personal growth shine as beacon lights, reminding us of the resilience and depth of the human spirit. As fans eagerly anticipate the season’s finale, one thing is certain: ‘The Last of Us’ continues to push boundaries, delivering powerful narratives that resonate deeply with its audience.