Lesser-known facts about the HBO original series The Last of Us

The highly anticipated adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game The Last of Us has finally released its first episode. The series based on a post-apocalyptic zombie wasteland currently has an astounding 99% critics’ approval on Rotten Tomatoes and is expected to be one of the most revered shows of 2023. So for today’s Now You Know podcast we take a look at lesser-known facts about The Last of Us.

1. Both games of the franchise The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II redefined gaming with their cinematic style gameplay with actors performing their roles with motion capture. Some of these actors will also appear in the TV series as well, albeit in different roles. Jeffery Pearce who essayed the role of Tommy Miller will play the role of a new character named Perry. Troy Baker and Ashely Johnson who immortalised the roles of Joel and Ellie in the games will also play different characters in the series. Baker will essay the role of an antagonist, who is part of a cannibalistic cult under the leadership of a man named David. Whereas Johnson will play the role of Ellie’s mother in the series – a character who is never shown in the games. However, Merle Dandridge will reprise her role of Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies, from the games.
2. The plans to make a film adaptation was greenlit in 2014 with filmmaker Sam Raimi to direct based on a script by the video game creator Neil Druckmann. However, disagreements between Druckmann and the studio executives forced the movie to be shelved after the studio allegedly demanded that the grounded tone of the story be replaced with something bigger.
3. In fact, at one point the movie had even reached the stage of casting with Game of Thrones alum Maisie Williams and Dopesick actress Kaitlyn Dever both auditioning for the role of Ellie. However, after the movie was cancelled the role of Ellie for the TV show would eventually go to another Game of Thrones star Bella Ramsey, who became a fan-favourite as the fierce young Lady Lyanna Mornmot of Bear Island.
4. However, despite her popularity in Game of Thrones Bella Ramsey’s casting was met with significant backlash online. In fact, she was even advised to stay away from social media even before the casting was confirmed.
5. The character of Joel Miller has become iconic for his Texas accent thanks to the legendary Troy Baker. Baker has become revered for voicing characters such as the Joker in the Batman Arkham franchise to Sam Drake in Uncharted. It is interesting to note that both Baker and Pascal grew up in Texas just like Joel Miller. In fact, Gabriel Luna who essays the role of Joel’s brother Tommy in the series was also born and raised in Texas.
6. One of the game’s most striking aspects is its sound design. It wouldn’t even be an exaggeration to suggest that the music will immediately take one back to the games with a rush of emotions. And to the delight of the fans, the music composer for both video games, Gustavo Santaolalla, is in charge of the sound design for the TV series as well.

Well that's the OTTplay Now You Know episode for today, until the next one its your host Nikhil signing out.

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• Written by Ryan Gomez