HBO's The Last of Us season 2 production is currently underway, with showrunner Craig Mazin offering enigmatic reactions to the various fan theories circulating around leaked set photos.
The acclaimed The Last of Us, created by Mazin and Neil Druckmann, initiated filming for season 2 in Vancouver, Canada on February 12 following production delays due to industry strikes, aiming to conclude by August 21. While season 1 of The Last of Us expanded on the story and characters of the award-winning video game, the upcoming season will delve into the narrative of the more divisive The Last of Us Part 2. Given the intricate storyline of The Last of Us Part II, fans have concocted theories on how the show will interpret the material in its second season, with speculations rife about potential changes to the narrative structure.
In a recent episode of his podcast Scriptnotes on March 12, Mazin, alongside John August, provided an update on the progress of filming for The Last of Us season 2, mentioning that he is nearing completion of directing the initial episode. While hinting at some remaining shoot days in different locations, Mazin expressed amusement at the online fan community's burgeoning theories based on the filming locations. He acknowledged the fans' creativity but also hinted at the inaccuracy of most theories, finding some to be partially correct with a touch of humor in his response.
Following the aftermath of the first game, Part II follows Ellie's journey for vengeance after witnessing Joel's brutal demise at the hands of Abby, who coincidentally seeks her own form of retribution. The Last of Us Part 2 garnered attention for its mid-game perspective shift to Abby, humanizing her character and evoking sympathy from players. The complex narrative structure of the game raises questions on how Mazin and Druckmann will translate it to the small screen, especially considering Part 2's extended length spanning multiple seasons, with rumors suggesting The Last of Us season 2 may consist of seven episodes. With flashbacks in the game showcasing poignant moments between Joel and Ellie, there are ample opportunities for Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey's characters to be further explored beyond somber beginnings. While the essence of the show will likely remain faithful to its origins, the challenge lies in adapting it effectively for episodic storytelling.
Mazin shared that after wrapping up his directorial duties temporarily, he is keenly observing the progression of the second episode in his showrunner capacity, with speculation pointing towards Succession director Mark Mylod taking the reins. Set videos and photos from The Last of Us season 2 depict scenes in a snowy town resembling Jackson from the game, a potential representation of Joel's house, and a rental property near a golf course reminiscent of his final resting place. As filming sequences are often disjointed, fans are left pondering the sequence of events, particularly concerning Joel's fate in the initial episodes, amidst Mazin's playful dismissal of most theories while acknowledging a hint of accuracy in a select few.
The Last of Us season 2 is currently in the production phase.
Source: Scriptnotes