There are a lot of shows that sprung from video game adaptations and one of which is the highly anticipated HBO series, The Last of Us. While there are some which turned out to be successful, some failed, that showrunners Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin would want to avoid the reason why.
The Last of Us is coming in hot this 2023 on HBO and it will be based on the beloved game of the same name by Naughty Dog. However, there's that thing called as the "video game curse," where shows based on video games don't really live up to the hype, thus, failing.
Speaking with The New Yorker, showrunners Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin are aware of this "video game curse," and they unfold the reason why others failed, Druckmann said, "The other thing that people get wrong is that they think people want to see the gameplay onscreen."
Mazin cited Doom as an example, "Doom is also a perfect example of something that you don't actually need to adapt. There's nothing there that you can't generate on your own—" and Druckmann added, "Other than the name Doom, and marketing."
Mazin further explained, "That's the thing. If what the property is giving you is a name and a built-in thing, you're basically setting yourself up for disaster, because the fans will be, like, 'Where's my f*cking thing?' and everybody else will be, like, 'What's Doom?' And then you're in trouble."
With what Mazin and Druckmann revealed, it's safe to say that fans won't be seeing that in the upcoming The Last of Us series. Still, those who know the game shouldn't be upset because the show promises to remain as faithful as it can be to the source material, the video game.
The Last of Us will follow Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, a smuggler who would have to escort Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, through a post-apocalyptic United States plagued with the infected and human hunters. Lamar Johnson who will play Henry and Keivon Woodard as Sam will be joining the cast as well.
Gabriel Luna is also set to take on a new role in The Last of Us where he would play Tommy, a former soldier and the younger brother of Joel. Along with Luna are Ashley Johnson, Nick Offerman, and Troy Baker who both have unannounced roles.
The Last of Us arrives on HBO Max on January 15, 2023.
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