The “Last of Us” game series is a widely known, slightly controversial and post-apocalyptic game that keeps players on their toes with an engaging storyline accompanied by gory gameplay. “The Last of Us,” released by Naughty Dog in 2013, focuses on a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal infection has ravaged. This infection causes humans to become monstrous creatures, best described as zombies. This story revolves around the rugged main character Joel Miller, who leads the young Ellie Williams across the country because she is the key to curing the infection.
“The Last of Us” television series premiered in 2023 on Max, following the storyline of the game, going into more detail on characters’ stories and emphasizing the conditions of the post-outbreak world. Though the show stays mostly faithful to the game, viewers have raised opinions about the casting of the characters.
Miller, the main character in the game and show, is a grizzly Texan character. Pedro Pascal, cast as Miller, gives not only a close facial similarity, but still the recognizable, secretive, angry and tough character from the video game portrayed in his character.
The biggest controversy regarding the casting in season one was the actress to play Williams. Who was Bella Ramsey, a young English actress seen in Game of Thrones.. Many argued that she wasn’t fit for the role, due to the comparison of video-game-Williams and show-Williams. Viewers commented on how she looks nothing like the video game version.
Ashley Johnson, the face model for the game’s version of Williams, said in an interview with Good Morning America, “I am relieved in some ways that Bella is playing her,” which quickly shut down the opinion that Ramsey wasn’t fit for the role. However, people still comment on her looks in regard to Williams.
Now that “The Last of Us II” was released on Apr. 13, here’s what to expect. Part two of the game is famously more controversial, with many more important characters brought into the mix and the continuation of the story of the apocalyptic world. This sequel directly focuses on revenge, grief and morality. Many fans of the game were nervous for the second season coming to Max because of these themes and situations seen in the game.
Isaac Thompson, a junior at Ida B. Wells and a “The Last of Us” player since 2019, is excited to see how they handle Abby Anderson, a character whose goal is to seek revenge. “In the game, there are dual protagonists and I’m excited to see how they do that,” said Thompson. “I love the game personally, it’s in the top three [top three of my favorite games], but you know, it’s very controversial.”
Before season two was even released, Max announced season three’s release on Apr. 8. This led fans to believe that in the seven episodes of season two, the show might not cover as much of the storyline that Part II does, hence the need for next season. Interestingly, the game doesn’t have a third part, and isn’t likely to release one.
“I honestly enjoy part two more partially because of the gameplay, but the story is very, very engaging to me,” said Thompson. “Part one has a more cohesive story, but part two is much more action-paced than the first part.”
With the story of “The Last of Us Part II” being so unnerving, it’s safe to say the second season will be as well. Fans and audiences counted down the days until the season came out, and previous fans of the game dread the devastating situations the show will bring to life.
