If there was any doubt about the potential of adapting a video game into a prestige TV drama, The Last of Us proved otherwise. With the help of talented showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the series successfully brought the world of a zombie-infested post-apocalyptic America to life. The show received a staggering 24 Emmy nominations, including one for 10-year-old Keivonn Woodard, who made history as the youngest ever nominated for guest actor in a drama. One of the most meaningful accolades, however, came in the form of an email from Steven Spielberg, praising the show’s third episode.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Mazin discussed his favorite parts of the first season and the lessons learned as they head into the highly anticipated second season. One of the highlights for Mazin was Woodard’s Emmy nomination, as finding the right actor for the role was a challenge. Woodard was a natural and his performance was outstanding.
When asked if episode three’s success loomed like a benchmark that could potentially overshadow future episodes, Mazin expressed a Zen approach. He acknowledged that some episodes will be better than others, but he hoped that if episode three remains the most important and meaningful episode to viewers, he would be proud because he was responsible for creating it. However, he also mentioned their commitment to taking risks and not comparing future seasons to the previous one.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from the first season, Mazin emphasized the importance of balancing practical effects with visual effects. They are now being more efficient in the production process to achieve their desired visual results. Mazin also mentioned that they worked hard to ensure their scripts were solid and shootable, but he did admit that some things got lost in the editing process, especially in the first episode. However, overall, he and Druckmann were incredibly satisfied with the season, particularly the performances of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
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As for the deleted scenes from the first episode, Mazin doesn’t believe they will be released. He understands the desire to see more of a beloved scene, but sometimes those additional scenes don’t add anything significant to the story.
When asked about his proudest scene from the first season, Mazin mentioned a scene in the final episode where Joel reveals to Ellie the story behind the scar on his head. He explained that it was a simple scene with just two people talking, but it was incredibly powerful and showcased the remarkable performances of Pascal and Ramsey.
Moving on to the controversial decision Joel makes in the finale, Mazin acknowledged that it was a selfish act but questioned whether it was morally wrong. He compared it to the Trolley Problem thought experiment, where a person is faced with the decision to divert a runaway trolley onto a track where it will kill fewer people. Mazin expressed sympathy for Joel’s decision, understanding that as a parent, he made a choice to protect Ellie, even if it meant sacrificing others. This dilemma and exploration of love and morality are what make the story of The Last of Us so compelling.
Regarding the budget for the second season, Mazin mentioned that there’s usually a bump, but there are always discussions about whether it’s enough. While season one was not low budget, the success and scope of the show warrant a potential increase in budget to further enhance the quality of the series.
As fans eagerly await the second season of The Last of Us, it’s clear that Mazin and his team have learned valuable lessons from the first season. They will continue taking risks and exploring complex moral dilemmas while delivering captivating storytelling and outstanding performances. With the support of a dedicated fan base and the recognition of industry professionals, The Last of Us is poised to continue its success as a top-tier prestige TV drama.
