The story of Joel and Ellie is getting the small screen treatment, as HBO is moving forward with a television series adaptation of the hit video game The Last of Us. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the project will be co-written by the writer and creative director of the game, Neil Druckmann, along with Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin. The two are also on board to executive produce the project alongside Naughty Dog president Evan Wells.
Released in 2013, the original video game, a survival horror, is set in post-apocalyptic world filled with murderous scavengers and bloodthirsty zombies. It follows the story of a smuggler named Joel escorting his teenage companion, Ellie, across the deadly wasteland that used to be called the United States of America. In part due to its compelling story, The Last of Us was met with immense critical acclaim upon its release, and an official sequel is also on the way with a release date set for May 29, 2020.
Because of the success of the game, Sony sought to develop a feature film based on The Last of Us. In 2014, it was reported Sam Raimi would produce a Last of Us movie with Druckmann writing the script. Ultimately, the project spun its wheels before fading away in development hell, sending Sony back to the drawing board. Perhaps HBO saw more potential in developing the story as an ongoing series as opposed to a single film. No word yet on when we can expect to see it hitting the network.
Unfamiliar with the game? You can get an idea of what it’s like by checking out the official trailer for The Last of Us below.
Synopsis: Joel, a ruthless survivor, and Ellie, a young teenage girl who’s braver and wiser beyond her years, must work together to survive their journey across what remains of the United States.
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