The Last of Us was a huge hit when it was released initially on the PlayStation 3. It certainly wasn’t surprising to see Naughty Dog continue this game installment with a remaster and even a remake. Of course, now we have a sequel available and even a multiplayer installment set within the same universe in the works. However, the resurgence of this franchise came thanks to the HBO live-action adaptation.
This series was beloved by both fans of the video game franchise and newcomers who had never picked up the game prior. It also helps that Naughty Dog is known for creating some detailed and cinematic gameplay experiences. So, adapting the game to become a television series might have been a bit easier than others. However, that might have some fans wondering if there’s any interest in creating some spin-offs within this series.
Fortunately, it looks like the current showrunner for The Last of Us is more than fine with the idea. Speaking with The Wrap, Craig Mazin admitted that there’s been no discussions about a spin-off series. It’s mainly due to the fact that both Craig Mazin and Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann have been so heavily involved with the main series. Even Craig admits that he is spending one of the last few decades he has left to tell this incredible story. As a result, he doesn’t know how much more he could spend on the franchise.
We haven’t talked about that specifically because we’re so focused on just telling this main narrative. I’m not against the idea of other shows that may draw from these characters or that world. I don’t know how much more ‘The Last of Us’ I personally would be able to do. I mean, these shows are so big, I’m sort of burning one of the precious few remaining decades I have on telling this story. But in principle, I have no issue with it whatsoever. And I’m sure Neil would be interested as well.
Craig Mazin – The Wrap
If we get a spin-off, you probably won’t need to count on Craig Mazin to be present for it. However, the showrunner stated that they hope whatever may come from this series is handled with as much care and love as they currently apply to The Last of Us. But again, nothing official has been confirmed in regards to a spin-off.
Instead, the focus lately has been the big Hollywood strikes that are going on right now. Productions have ceased, and there’s no work going on. As a result, production for the second season of The Last of Us is at a standstill. In other news regarding the series, it does look like the storyline Craig wishes to tell might last a total of four seasons. But that’s just a guess given to Craig as it very well may go on past a season four. For now, we’ll have to wait and see when these strikes come to an end, which will allow productions like The Last of Us season two to continue onward.
