Get ready for another adrenaline-pumping journey as HBO gears up for The Last of Us Season two, scheduled to premiere in 2025.
The Emmy-winning post-apocalyptic series, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, skyrocketed in popularity and broke viewership records upon its premiere, earning an early renewal before its third episode.
Having been described as one of the best video game adaptations, the series is poised to continue its success with season two, closely mirroring the second instalment of this action-adventure game, The Last of Us Part II (2020), with some exciting new twists in Joel and Ellie’s saga.
Here’s everything we know so far, from casting choices, release date, production, plot and more.
Casting Choices
The Last of Us season two introduces a blend of new faces and familiar ones, injecting a fresh dynamic into the narrative.
The seasoned cast sees Pedro Pascal reprising his role as the grizzled survivor Joel, navigating the consequences of his decisions from the first season. Bella Ramsey returns as the 19-year-old Ellie, confronting challenges stemming from Joel’s choices.
Joining the ensemble, Kaitlyn Dever takes on the role of Abby, a skilled soldier seeking vengeance with a complex worldview. Young Mazino will portray Jesse; a selfless community pillar with significant sacrifices, while Isabela Merced steps into the character of Dina, Ellie’s love interest, bringing warmth and humour.
“Our casting process for season two has been identical to season 1: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material,” co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann said in an official statement. “Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family.”
Other characters, including Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Rutina Wesley as Maria, Merle Dandridge as Marlene, and Anna Torv as Tess might make a welcomed return, contributing to the depth of the storyline.
What to Expect
That’s the big question! The Last of Us season two promises a gripping exploration of the characters’ journeys, delving into the repercussions of Joel’s decisions and the looming threat of the cordyceps infection.
Fans of the video game will recall the harrowing experience even more, as players go through the hospital and kill unarmed doctors to complete the game.
However, Mazin and Druckmann, confirmed in March 2023 that the events of the second game will span multiple seasons. “Sometimes it will be different radically, and sometimes it will be [barely] different at all. But it’s going to be different and it will be its own thing. It won’t be exactly like the game. It will be the show that Neil and I want to make,” Mazin said in a press conference.
Release Date
Druckmann announced on Twitter that the production of season two has already begun, with filming set to begin in Spring 2024. HBO, eyeing a 2025 release, promises a faithful yet distinct adaptation, but an official release date is yet to be announced.
As fans eagerly await the return of The Last of Us, one thing is certain – the journey promises to be as intense and captivating as ever.
Words by Khushboo Malhotra
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