The Last of Us Season Two: New Details

The Last of Us co-creators, Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, shared their insights about the season finale and the future of the hit television series.

Slight spoilers ahead for The Last of Us episode 9: “Look For The Light”

The Last of Us is HBO’s latest television hit. The series consistently beat its own viewership records, recently reaching 8.2 million viewers for the premiere of episode 9: “Look For The Light.” The finale broke records despite the Oscars airing at the same time. The Last of Us is based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name and stars Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie). HBO confirmed the series’ renewal for season two in January. 

In an interview with GQ, the co-creators of The Last of Us, Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin gave their insights about the season finale and what was next for the series. 

The ending of The Last of Us mirrors the television program, something the creators revealed was almost subtly changed. Rather than ending with the close-up of Ellie, Mazin revealed that they almost used a shot where Ellie and Joel walk back to Jackson slightly separated. Mazin then detailed the discussion the team had before they decided, that “there’s something very specific about ending on that close-up of Ellie. Not knowing what comes next. Not knowing what she does…That moment gets suspended permanently.”

Druckmann, who directed the video games, gave insight into the decision to end the game that way. When finishing The Last of Us video game, they didn’t know if they would receive a second game so, Druckmann felt “it was easier for people to accept it’s not a cliffhanger, it’s a proper ending.” However, since fans are aware there will be a season two, this ending is regarded as a cliffhanger. Mazin expressed that he felt that people would be angry about the cliffhanger but that he was okay with it, calling it “the anger of desire and anticipation.”

If you’re mad about the last of us season finale ending on a cliffhanger just imagine how it felt in 2013 to complete the first game on the exact same cliffhanger and having to wait 7 years for a sequel that’s severely more depressing and divisive with its conclusion.

— jon (@jonnysweetroll) March 13, 2023

Forgot to say it cause of all the Oscar’s stuff but that episode of the last of us was the perfect wrap to the best season of television I’ve seen in a long time and hands down the best video game adaptation ever! Literally a perfect adaptation and I can’t wait for season 2

— Michael Shiner (@michael_shiner1) March 13, 2023

The co-creators were asked if they planned on fitting the large story of The Last of Us: Part II into one season. Druckmann and Mazin confirmed they did not, with Druckmann revealing that “It’s more than one season.” However, when asked whether it would span two or three seasons, Mazin shared “we will not say how many. But more than one is factually correct.”

Definitely could have spread out this first game into 2 season if wanted but wasn’t entirely necessary. The 2nd game is quite literally 2.5-3x the length of game 1. Only makes logical sense that it’d take longer to tell the story.

— Kirky_Yelnats (@KirkyYelnats) March 13, 2023

The duo also acknowledged the limited presence of infected in the first season. Mazin shared that it was because a limited presence helped emphasize the creature’s frightening nature. However, he did tease a possible increase, revealing, “I think we have some really interesting things coming that will be very satisfying without burying you.” 

The creators were also asked about how the series’ viewers may react to Part II, as a part of the gaming community had emphatically negative reactions. The pair, however, seemed to be largely unbothered. Both emphasized their desires to make the best adaptation possible. Mazin explained, “To the extent that the storylines move people to rage, confusion, or disappointment or anger. Well that, I suppose, is preferable to the worst possible outcome, which is indifference.”

On the overall story of Part II, Mazin reported that some things will be identical to the game whereas others would be different. He also mentioned that they would be adding and fleshing out some aspects and even flipping others. Mazin noted that “Our goal remains exactly what it was for the first season, which is to deliver a show that makes fans happy.”

The Last of Us HBO is over. Shoutout to the entire crew for beautifully adapting a story I and so many others love dearly. It’s been an incredible thing to see new fans of the series created. My love for the story has been greatly enhanced. Onto an even more beautiful story in S2 pic.twitter.com/CX8xle534i

— Dacko (@itsdacko) March 13, 2023

Fans can not wait for season two and the future of the program. In the meantime, The Last of Us is streaming on HBO Max.