The Last of Us co-creator Neil Druckmann reveals how season 2 of the hit HBO show might connect with brand new game content from Part II.
Summary
- The Last of Us season 2 will incorporate at least one element from a cut level of the video game, but this could still change before filming begins.
- The Lost Levels are additional levels from The Last of Us: Part II that were cut from the original game but will be released as part of the upcoming remastered version with new developer commentary.
- Like season 1, season 2 of The Last of Us will likely diverge from the video game in some significant ways to suit the medium of television, but these changes may enhance the narrative.
The Last of Us co-creator Neil Druckmann teases how season 2 will relate to the new game content. Based on the hit 2013 video game of the same name, the apocalypse-set story of The Last of Us was brought to a wider audience when season 1 hit HBO at the beginning of 2023. Following a successful nine-episode run, the show was renewed for season 2, which is currently in development and is expected to dive into the second game’s story.
As The Last of Us season 2 continues pre-production, Druckmann hints at a connection between new game content and the HBO show. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Druckmann says there is “at least one element from a cut level that is planned [for] the show.” He also warns that this could change, as filming has not yet begun. Check out the full quote from Druckmann below:
“As a tease, I will say there is at least one element from a cut level that is planned [for] the show. I say that with the caveat that we haven’t started filming the show yet and all things are subject to change based on what we ultimately feel will be best for the show.
“The Lost Levels are very much focused on offering a sneak peek into The Last of Us Part II’s original development and deepen fans’ appreciation for the studio’s creative work. While the TV show has diverged from the original works to suit the medium and likely will again, these levels are not meant to be indicative of work on the HBO show, which is separate from Part II Remastered’s development.”
The Last Of Us Season 2 Could Differ Significantly From The Video Game
The “Lost Levels” refer to unreleased additional levels from The Last of Us: Part II, unfinished but playable content that was cut from the original game. Studio Naughty Dog recently revealed that they would release these Lost Levels as part of the upcoming remastered version of the game. They will feature new developer commentary.
As Druckmann alludes to, The Last of Us season 1 strayed from the original game in some significant ways. For example, certain episodes fleshed out stories taken from downloadable content (aka DLC), turning them into full scenes or plot lines. This included Storm Reid’s Riley, Ellie’s love interest from episode 7, who in the game is only a character in the DLC titled The Last of Us: Left Behind. Season 1, episode 3 also fleshed out the love story of Bill and Frank from what was only implied in the video game medium.
As The Last of Us season 2 works to “suit the medium,” it will be interesting to see how many divergences it makes from the game. Bringing forward content from The Lost Levels, as Druckmann hints, would fall in line with how the show has already engaged with unused video game elements. The Last of Us season 2 will almost certainly stray from the game in some ways, but if season 1 is any indication, those changes may be for the better for its narrative.
