HBO’s TV series adaptation of “The Last of Us” gaming franchise scored a quick second season renewal order during its acclaimed first season run.
“Chernobyl” alum Craig Mazin and game director Neil Druckmann created the series which landed 24 Emmy nominations and was one of the most-watched HBO series to date.
As previously indicated, the showrunners are planning at least two more seasons to fully adapt “The Last of Us Part II” game that has a narrative double the length of its predecessor which served as the source material for the first season.
But what about possible spin-offs, could the franchise support them? Speaking with The Wrap in a new interview in accordance with WGA guidelines and facilitated through his personal publicist, Mazin says they haven’t had discussions about it as yet but are open to them:
“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 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. If there was something that made sense, then I don’t see why not.
My great hope is that if there is anything like that, that it’s done with as much care and respect and love as what we are applying to this series right now.”
In terms of directions for spin-offs there are multiple directions the show could go, and the series has already teased such possibilities.
The first season’s third episode strayed from the game’s story considerably, following two side characters and resulting in one of the most acclaimed hours of television in recent history.
Similarly, the show took creative liberties with other moments from the second episode flashback to the cordyceps outbreak’s early days, to the inclusion of new characters not from the games like Melanie Lynskey’s role.
Whatever the case, the show’s second second is looking to kick off production in Vancouver early next year.
