As production continues on the second season of HBO's adaptation of best-selling survival horror video game, The Last of Us, we have another late casting addition in the form of an Academy Award-nominated actor.
Variety (via GameFragger.com) reports that Jeffrey Wright has signed on to play Isaac Dixon, the character he provided the voice for in The Last of Us Part II game.
This take on Isaac is described as “the quietly powerful leader of a large militia group who sought liberty but instead has become mired in an endless war against a surprisingly resourceful enemy.”
In the game, Isaac leads the Washington Liberation Front (Wlf), who are engaged in a long-running war against the fanatical Seraphites (Scars). Abby Anderson (Kaitlyn Dever) is his most trusted and valued soldier, but she soon begins to question his ruthless and uncompromising tactics.
HBO recently unveiled the first official images from the second season,...
Variety (via GameFragger.com) reports that Jeffrey Wright has signed on to play Isaac Dixon, the character he provided the voice for in The Last of Us Part II game.
This take on Isaac is described as “the quietly powerful leader of a large militia group who sought liberty but instead has become mired in an endless war against a surprisingly resourceful enemy.”
In the game, Isaac leads the Washington Liberation Front (Wlf), who are engaged in a long-running war against the fanatical Seraphites (Scars). Abby Anderson (Kaitlyn Dever) is his most trusted and valued soldier, but she soon begins to question his ruthless and uncompromising tactics.
HBO recently unveiled the first official images from the second season,...
- 5/25/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
You can't do better than Jeffrey Wright, so why even try? The actor is coming off his first-ever Oscar nod for "American Fiction," which is frankly shocking given the pedigree of his previous work. We're talking about the man who starred in Mike Nichols' "Angels in America" miniseries (reprising the role he played in the original Pulitzer Prize-winning play's Broadway debut), spent 15 years playing Felix Leiter, the coolest cat in the Daniel Craig James Bond movies, and was the Mvp of Matt Reeves' "The Batman" as Jim Gordon. He was also everyone's favorite human-turned-host, Bernard Lowe, across all four seasons of "Westworld" and has recently become a member of Wes Anderson's acting troupe.
Now, HBO and "The Last of Us" writers/executive producers Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have, very wisely, elected to bring Wright back in the role that he previously tackled via voice-acting and motion-capture in 2020's...
Now, HBO and "The Last of Us" writers/executive producers Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have, very wisely, elected to bring Wright back in the role that he previously tackled via voice-acting and motion-capture in 2020's...
- 5/24/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The movie Yesterday After Tomorrow on Netflix has clearly taken inspiration from classics like Back to the Future and Hot Tub Time Machine and even gave them a shout-out in the movie! Here, the story follows two brothers, Mazin and Maan, who lost their father in a fire when they were kids. Then they were brought up by their widowed mother. After moving away, they eventually return to their old house, where they used to live with their father, once they’ve grown up. But guess what? They discover a mysterious blue door in the house that acts as a portal to the past! Being curious and excited, the brothers step through the portal and find themselves back in time. Will they get the chance to meet their father again? Can they save him from the fire this time? Let’s find out together!
Spoilers Ahead
What was Mazin’s...
Spoilers Ahead
What was Mazin’s...
- 5/24/2024
- by Sutanuka Banerjee
- Film Fugitives
There have been hot and cold reports about the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise over the past few years. Some had a reboot happening with an entirely new cast, others a female-centric film with Margot Robbie. Now, Jerry Bruckheimer is setting the record straight.
“It’s two different movies,” Bruckheimer says. The reboot has Jeff Nathanson doing the script with the Robbie-centric film being written by Christina Hodson, according to Entertainment Weekly, which caught up with the producer. “We hope to get ’em both made, and I think Disney agrees they really want to make the Margot one, too.”
The Last of Us creator Craig Mazin worked on a story for the reboot with original screenwriter Ted Elliot. Mazin told the L.A. Times that their script was very weird and that Disney seemed to like it. But the project stalled because of the strikes last year.
Now,...
“It’s two different movies,” Bruckheimer says. The reboot has Jeff Nathanson doing the script with the Robbie-centric film being written by Christina Hodson, according to Entertainment Weekly, which caught up with the producer. “We hope to get ’em both made, and I think Disney agrees they really want to make the Margot one, too.”
The Last of Us creator Craig Mazin worked on a story for the reboot with original screenwriter Ted Elliot. Mazin told the L.A. Times that their script was very weird and that Disney seemed to like it. But the project stalled because of the strikes last year.
Now,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
What Do We Know About the upcoming second season of The Last of Us? More than you may think. The hit HBO series became a new benchmark for video game adaptations with a faithful take on the source material and new material from the game creators. Now, season two is set to raise the bar yet again. So, let’s dive in and take a look at what is coming next from the hit video game adaptation’s sophomore run.
While the series isn’t due to air until 2025, HBO has revealed our first looks at returning cast members Pedro Pascal (as Joel) and Belle Ramsay (as Ellie). Check them out:
Same Showrunners with New Writers/Directors
The success of the first season of The Last of Us meant the return of showrunner Craig Mazin, best known for HBO’s acclaimed Chernobyl as well as writing the less-than-acclaimed The Hangover...
While the series isn’t due to air until 2025, HBO has revealed our first looks at returning cast members Pedro Pascal (as Joel) and Belle Ramsay (as Ellie). Check them out:
Same Showrunners with New Writers/Directors
The success of the first season of The Last of Us meant the return of showrunner Craig Mazin, best known for HBO’s acclaimed Chernobyl as well as writing the less-than-acclaimed The Hangover...
- 5/15/2024
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Catherine O’Hara has been cast in “The Last of Us” Season 2 at HBO, Variety has learned.
Details on the character O’Hara will be playing are being kept under wraps. She joins returning series leads Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the hit series alongside new cast members Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, and Kaitlyn Dever as Abby.
O’Hara is one of the most celebrated comedic actresses in modern times, having first broken out during her time on the acclaimed sketch comedy series “Sctv.” She is best known most recently for her starring role in the comedy series “Schitt’s Creek,” on which she played Moira Rose throughout the show’s six-season run. She received two Emmy nominations for the show, winning the award for best actress in a comedy in 2020 for the final season. O’Hara is also known for her work in the films of...
Details on the character O’Hara will be playing are being kept under wraps. She joins returning series leads Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the hit series alongside new cast members Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, and Kaitlyn Dever as Abby.
O’Hara is one of the most celebrated comedic actresses in modern times, having first broken out during her time on the acclaimed sketch comedy series “Sctv.” She is best known most recently for her starring role in the comedy series “Schitt’s Creek,” on which she played Moira Rose throughout the show’s six-season run. She received two Emmy nominations for the show, winning the award for best actress in a comedy in 2020 for the final season. O’Hara is also known for her work in the films of...
- 2/2/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
HBO chairman and CEO Casey Bloys is celebrating another fruitful Emmys for the network and Max’s teams after taking home nine Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday evening.
The accolades included six wins for the final season of “Succession,” including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series for Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Matthew Macfadyen and Outstanding Writing and Directing for Jesse Armstrong and Mark Mylod for “Connors Wedding.” Additionally, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” scored two Emmys in the Scripted Variety Series category and “The White Lotus” star Jennifer Coolidge won Supporting Actress in a Drama.
The latest round of awards brings HBO and Max’s total Emmy wins to 31 this year, following 22 wins at the Creative Arts Emmys, including eight for Season 1 of “The Last of Us.”
“We had a great showing across the board,...
The accolades included six wins for the final season of “Succession,” including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series for Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Matthew Macfadyen and Outstanding Writing and Directing for Jesse Armstrong and Mark Mylod for “Connors Wedding.” Additionally, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” scored two Emmys in the Scripted Variety Series category and “The White Lotus” star Jennifer Coolidge won Supporting Actress in a Drama.
The latest round of awards brings HBO and Max’s total Emmy wins to 31 this year, following 22 wins at the Creative Arts Emmys, including eight for Season 1 of “The Last of Us.”
“We had a great showing across the board,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
While The Last Of Us‘ main focus is Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) journey through post-apocalyptic America, the characters they meet along the way leave a major impression as evident by the seven Guest Actor/Actress In a Drama series Emmy nominations for the video game adaptation and wins in both fields for Nick Offerman and Storm Reid.
The love story of Bill and Frank, played by Offerman and fellow Emmy nominee (and winner for The White Lotus) Murray Bartlett, in particular struck such a chord with fans that they had been hoping for the duo to appear again on the show, created and executive produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, in flashbacks.
Offerman mused at the possibilities in a joking way following his Emmy win at the Creative Emmys.
“It certainly has been pitched,” he said. “I think we pitched a whole mini-series of a...
The love story of Bill and Frank, played by Offerman and fellow Emmy nominee (and winner for The White Lotus) Murray Bartlett, in particular struck such a chord with fans that they had been hoping for the duo to appear again on the show, created and executive produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, in flashbacks.
Offerman mused at the possibilities in a joking way following his Emmy win at the Creative Emmys.
“It certainly has been pitched,” he said. “I think we pitched a whole mini-series of a...
- 1/16/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Drama Series
I ruled out half the nominees immediately, but this is still the strongest single category in the history of the Emmys and I agonized over the other four. I had zero interest in The Crown — I watched the first season because my wife asked me to, then I was done. You couldn’t pay me to watch House of the Dragon — I was a Game of Thrones person, but I watched 10 minutes of this and read the reviews and it just seemed like a money grab. I devoured the first season of Yellowjackets, but it jumped the shark in season two. I love Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks, but there have been better seasons of Better Call Saul. I loved The White Lotus — not as much as its first season, but still, Mike White is the best argument for why writers should be allowed to have a writers room of one.
I ruled out half the nominees immediately, but this is still the strongest single category in the history of the Emmys and I agonized over the other four. I had zero interest in The Crown — I watched the first season because my wife asked me to, then I was done. You couldn’t pay me to watch House of the Dragon — I was a Game of Thrones person, but I watched 10 minutes of this and read the reviews and it just seemed like a money grab. I devoured the first season of Yellowjackets, but it jumped the shark in season two. I love Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks, but there have been better seasons of Better Call Saul. I loved The White Lotus — not as much as its first season, but still, Mike White is the best argument for why writers should be allowed to have a writers room of one.
- 1/12/2024
- by Anonymous, as told to Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Looks like Ellie will have someone new to share No Pun Intended: Volume Too with when The Last of Us returns for Season 2.
Isabela Merced (100 Things to Do Before High School) has joined the cast as Dina, TVLine has learned.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Sanaa Lathan Is Miss Cleo, Lena Dunham's Spy Series and MoreThe Last of Us Adds Beef Breakout Young Mazino Ahead of Season 2The White Lotus Adds Carrie Coon to Season 3 Cast
Dina is “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit,” according to the official character description.
Isabela Merced (100 Things to Do Before High School) has joined the cast as Dina, TVLine has learned.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Sanaa Lathan Is Miss Cleo, Lena Dunham's Spy Series and MoreThe Last of Us Adds Beef Breakout Young Mazino Ahead of Season 2The White Lotus Adds Carrie Coon to Season 3 Cast
Dina is “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit,” according to the official character description.
- 1/11/2024
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
“The Last of Us” has found its Dina, with Isabela Merced joining Season 2 of the hit HBO series.
“Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable,” said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. “You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away. We couldn’t be prouder to have her join our family.”
Merced is now the third new cast member announced in recent days, joining Kaitlyn Dever as well as “Beef” star Young Mazino.
Dina is described as “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.”
Merced has starred in a number of films in recent years, including “Rosaline” alongside Dever. Her other film credits include the title role in the live-action feature “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” as well...
“Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable,” said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. “You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away. We couldn’t be prouder to have her join our family.”
Merced is now the third new cast member announced in recent days, joining Kaitlyn Dever as well as “Beef” star Young Mazino.
Dina is described as “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.”
Merced has starred in a number of films in recent years, including “Rosaline” alongside Dever. Her other film credits include the title role in the live-action feature “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” as well...
- 1/11/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Isabela Merced has joined the cast of HBO‘s The Last of Us. She is the last of three major additions for the upcoming second season of the post-apocalyptic drama based on the video game of the same name developed by Naughty Dog for PlayStation. The other two are recently cast Kaitlyn Dever as Abby and Young Mazino as Jesse.
Merced will play Dina, Ellie’s new romantic interest and Jesse’s ex. Dina is a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.
“Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable,” said Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, The Last of Us‘ co-creators, writers, executive producers and directors. “You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away. We couldn’t be prouder to have her join our family.
Merced will play Dina, Ellie’s new romantic interest and Jesse’s ex. Dina is a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.
“Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable,” said Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, The Last of Us‘ co-creators, writers, executive producers and directors. “You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away. We couldn’t be prouder to have her join our family.
- 1/11/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Kaitlyn Dever has officially been cast in the key role of Abby in The Last Of Us season 2. More within…
Confirming last November’s widely-reported rumours, Kaitlyn Dever has officially been cast in the key role of Abby in The Last Of Us’ second season. She’ll be joining a returning Pedro Pascal as the grizzled Joel and Bella Ramsey as his young charge, Ellie, as the production on the show gets underway early this year.
In a joint statement published by The Hollywood Reporter, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann said of Dever, “Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material. Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family.”
Read more: Most...
Confirming last November’s widely-reported rumours, Kaitlyn Dever has officially been cast in the key role of Abby in The Last Of Us’ second season. She’ll be joining a returning Pedro Pascal as the grizzled Joel and Bella Ramsey as his young charge, Ellie, as the production on the show gets underway early this year.
In a joint statement published by The Hollywood Reporter, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann said of Dever, “Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material. Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family.”
Read more: Most...
- 1/9/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
This article contains a major spoiler for The Last of Us Part II and therefore The Last of Us season 2 as well.
HBO has officially announced that Kaitlyn Dever will be playing Abby in the second season of The Last of Us. Abby is a controversial character first introduced in The Last of Us Part II, and according to HBO’s description, is “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.” While this description fits right into the on-screen world created by Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, Abby has a complicated history that goes back to the original games and takes more than a sentence to encapsulate.
Who is she exactly and what makes her so controversial among fans of the game? Allow us to explain.
Abby Kills a Beloved Character
The Last of Us Part II begins roughly...
HBO has officially announced that Kaitlyn Dever will be playing Abby in the second season of The Last of Us. Abby is a controversial character first introduced in The Last of Us Part II, and according to HBO’s description, is “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.” While this description fits right into the on-screen world created by Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, Abby has a complicated history that goes back to the original games and takes more than a sentence to encapsulate.
Who is she exactly and what makes her so controversial among fans of the game? Allow us to explain.
Abby Kills a Beloved Character
The Last of Us Part II begins roughly...
- 1/9/2024
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
She spent 2023 dealing with aliens in No One Will Save You, but it appears Kaitlyn Dever will now be facing fungus-infected creatures this year. The Last Of Us has cast Dever in the key role of Abby.
It's a full-circle moment for Dever and the show, as fans lobbied for her to be cast as Ellie, and she even apparently auditioned before showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann went in a younger direction with Bella Ramsay (a casting choice no one is complaining about). To see her as Abby now is just as good idea.
For those who don't play the game, Abby is a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved. And that's all we'll say for now…
"Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the...
It's a full-circle moment for Dever and the show, as fans lobbied for her to be cast as Ellie, and she even apparently auditioned before showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann went in a younger direction with Bella Ramsay (a casting choice no one is complaining about). To see her as Abby now is just as good idea.
For those who don't play the game, Abby is a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved. And that's all we'll say for now…
"Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the...
- 1/9/2024
- by James White
- Empire - TV
HBO’s “The Last of Us” has excelled in many departments thus far, but the show’s casting deserves special mention. Bella Ramsey turned out to be the perfect Ellie despite fans wondering if she was the right fit for the role, for starters, and the outside-the-box casting continues for Season 2. Kaitlyn Dever (No One Will Save You) will play Abby in Season 2!
Entertainment Weekly broke the news this afternoon, and they also shared a statement from “The Last of Us” creator Craig Mazin. “Our casting process for Season 2 has been identical to Season 1: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material,” Mazin tells Entertainment Weekly. “Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella, and the rest of our family.”
The second season of HBO’s “The Last of Us...
Entertainment Weekly broke the news this afternoon, and they also shared a statement from “The Last of Us” creator Craig Mazin. “Our casting process for Season 2 has been identical to Season 1: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material,” Mazin tells Entertainment Weekly. “Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella, and the rest of our family.”
The second season of HBO’s “The Last of Us...
- 1/9/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Kaitlyn Dever (Dopesick) has joined HBO’s breakout hit The Last of Us. She is one three major cast additions for the upcoming second season of the post-apocalyptic drama, based on the video game of the same name developed by Naughty Dog for PlayStation. Dever will play the most prominent new Season 2 character, Abby, joining series’ stars Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel, and Bella Ramsey, who is Ellie.
When it was revealed that The Last of Us‘ second season will be based on the 2020 The Last of Us Part II, fans’ attention immediately focused on Abby, one of the game’s two playable central characters alongside Ellie.
Dever’s name emerged as the frontrunner for the role soon after the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike in November. She eventually closed a deal with HBO, which is co-producing the series with Sony Pictures Television.
Dever’s Abby is a skilled soldier...
When it was revealed that The Last of Us‘ second season will be based on the 2020 The Last of Us Part II, fans’ attention immediately focused on Abby, one of the game’s two playable central characters alongside Ellie.
Dever’s name emerged as the frontrunner for the role soon after the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike in November. She eventually closed a deal with HBO, which is co-producing the series with Sony Pictures Television.
Dever’s Abby is a skilled soldier...
- 1/9/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Last of Us” Season 2 has officially cast Kaitlyn Dever, Variety has learned.
Dever joins the hit HBO show in the role of Abby, who is described as “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.”
“Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material,” said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. “Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family.”
Dever’s past TV credits include shows like “Last Man Standing,” “Justified,””Unbelievable,” and “Dopesick.” On the film side, she has starred in features such as “Booksmart,” “Rosaline,” “Next Goal Wins,” and “No One Will Save You,” the last of which she also executive produced.
Dever joins the hit HBO show in the role of Abby, who is described as “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.”
“Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material,” said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. “Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family.”
Dever’s past TV credits include shows like “Last Man Standing,” “Justified,””Unbelievable,” and “Dopesick.” On the film side, she has starred in features such as “Booksmart,” “Rosaline,” “Next Goal Wins,” and “No One Will Save You,” the last of which she also executive produced.
- 1/9/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
“The Last of Us” Season 2 has found its Abby.
The fan-favorite character, a conflicted soldier embroiled in conflict between her own post-apocalyptic militia and a religious cult, will be played by Kaitlyn Dever. Production is set to begin in February, with filming on the critically revered and Daytime Emmy-winning show previously postponed due to the since-ended strikes.
In Naughty Dog’s “The Last of Us Part II,” released for PlayStation 4 in January 2020, Abby is as much a co-lead of the game as the original’s star, Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey in the series). Throughout the game, players alternate between Ellie and Abby’s points of view in fighting off humans infected by Cordyceps as well as their fellow survivors left in the United States. “Part II” takes players from rural Wyoming to a dystopian Seattle.
No spoilers, but the sequel game finds Ellie and Abby on a collision course...
The fan-favorite character, a conflicted soldier embroiled in conflict between her own post-apocalyptic militia and a religious cult, will be played by Kaitlyn Dever. Production is set to begin in February, with filming on the critically revered and Daytime Emmy-winning show previously postponed due to the since-ended strikes.
In Naughty Dog’s “The Last of Us Part II,” released for PlayStation 4 in January 2020, Abby is as much a co-lead of the game as the original’s star, Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey in the series). Throughout the game, players alternate between Ellie and Abby’s points of view in fighting off humans infected by Cordyceps as well as their fellow survivors left in the United States. “Part II” takes players from rural Wyoming to a dystopian Seattle.
No spoilers, but the sequel game finds Ellie and Abby on a collision course...
- 1/9/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Now The Last of Us fans have a face to put to a very important name.
Kaitlyn Dever has been cast as Abby in Season 2 of the HBO drama, TVLine has learned.
More from TVLineTrue Detective: Night Country's Jodie Foster Explains Her Move to TV, Talks Silence of the Lambs ParallelsNick Offerman Shares Full, Flub-Free Emmy Speech Following First Win: 'This Was the Best Script I've Ever Been Handed'TVLine Items: Samuel L. Jackson Joins Kevin Hart Series, Lil Nas X Documentary and More
Per the character’s official description, Abby is “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world...
Kaitlyn Dever has been cast as Abby in Season 2 of the HBO drama, TVLine has learned.
More from TVLineTrue Detective: Night Country's Jodie Foster Explains Her Move to TV, Talks Silence of the Lambs ParallelsNick Offerman Shares Full, Flub-Free Emmy Speech Following First Win: 'This Was the Best Script I've Ever Been Handed'TVLine Items: Samuel L. Jackson Joins Kevin Hart Series, Lil Nas X Documentary and More
Per the character’s official description, Abby is “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world...
- 1/9/2024
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
The Last of Us will be heading into production for its second season early next year with an eye for a 2025 launch.
HBO boss Casey Bloys revealed the news at an event in New York.
The series was renewed in January after scoring the second largest premiere after House of the Dragon since Boardwalk Empire’s launch in 2010.
It comes from Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.
Based on Naughty Dog’s video game, The Last of Us takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.
In addition to Pascal and Ramsey, Season 1 also stars Gabriel Luna,...
HBO boss Casey Bloys revealed the news at an event in New York.
The series was renewed in January after scoring the second largest premiere after House of the Dragon since Boardwalk Empire’s launch in 2010.
It comes from Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.
Based on Naughty Dog’s video game, The Last of Us takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.
In addition to Pascal and Ramsey, Season 1 also stars Gabriel Luna,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Last of Us” Season 2 will enter production in early 2024 and is targeting an early 2025 premiere, announced HBO boss Casey Bloys at a press conference Thursday morning.
The CEO noted that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes had delayed production of the hit show’s sophomore season. “The Last of Us” was not on the network’s 2024 slate presentation, meaning it could land in 2025 at the earliest.
The first season of “The Last of Us” became an instant hit when it premiered on HBO in January 2023. Based on the massively popular PlayStation video game of the same name, the show follows a smuggler named Joel (played by Pedro Pascal in the show) in a post-apocalyptic America years after the world has been crippled by a deadly fungus. Joel is tasked with bringing a young girl named Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country in order to create a cure for the cordyceps fungus.
The CEO noted that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes had delayed production of the hit show’s sophomore season. “The Last of Us” was not on the network’s 2024 slate presentation, meaning it could land in 2025 at the earliest.
The first season of “The Last of Us” became an instant hit when it premiered on HBO in January 2023. Based on the massively popular PlayStation video game of the same name, the show follows a smuggler named Joel (played by Pedro Pascal in the show) in a post-apocalyptic America years after the world has been crippled by a deadly fungus. Joel is tasked with bringing a young girl named Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country in order to create a cure for the cordyceps fungus.
- 11/2/2023
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
As the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes continue, “The Last of Us” showrunner Craig Mazin is concerned about the impact the labor dispute is having on Hollywood’s below-the-line crew members.
“I know that when I talk to them, they are behind us. I think labor, in general, is pretty united here,” he told TheWrap in an interview conducted according to WGA guidelines and facilitated through his personal publicist. “But I also know that crews are struggling to shoulder this burden that the companies have put on our industry. They don’t blame us for it. I think they know exactly why we’re doing it, what we’re doing and how necessary it is, but they are suffering too.”
Mazin said he is “very committed to trying to keep as many people employed as possible.”
“Obviously, writers and actors can’t be. But I’m concerned about crew people,...
“I know that when I talk to them, they are behind us. I think labor, in general, is pretty united here,” he told TheWrap in an interview conducted according to WGA guidelines and facilitated through his personal publicist. “But I also know that crews are struggling to shoulder this burden that the companies have put on our industry. They don’t blame us for it. I think they know exactly why we’re doing it, what we’re doing and how necessary it is, but they are suffering too.”
Mazin said he is “very committed to trying to keep as many people employed as possible.”
“Obviously, writers and actors can’t be. But I’m concerned about crew people,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
HBO‘s The Last of Us could be the beginning of something much more significant for the network. Development on the second season is already underway, but could there be more in the pipeline? According to The Last of Us co-creator Craig Mazin, spin-offs could happen. However, extensive talks should take place about how an expansion to the world would enrich the world and its characters.
“We haven’t talked about that specifically because we’re so focused on just telling this main narrative,” Mazin told The Wrap about creating spin-offs. “I’m not against the idea of other shows that may draw from these characters or that world.”
Speaking about his contribution to the franchise, Mazin continued, “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...
“We haven’t talked about that specifically because we’re so focused on just telling this main narrative,” Mazin told The Wrap about creating spin-offs. “I’m not against the idea of other shows that may draw from these characters or that world.”
Speaking about his contribution to the franchise, Mazin continued, “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...
- 8/23/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
HBO’s adaptation of “The Last of Us” scratched the surface on the video-game franchise’s massive world – which will continue to unfold when the drama series eventually returns for its second season.
But outside of Joel and Ellie’s main narrative, which co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have previously said could span across multiple seasons, the pair have not had discussions about the potential for spin-offs that could further expand on the world’s other characters.
“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,” Mazin told TheWrap in an interview in accordance with WGA guidelines and facilitated through his personal publicist. “I don’t know how much more ‘The Last of Us’ I personally would be able to do. I mean,...
But outside of Joel and Ellie’s main narrative, which co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have previously said could span across multiple seasons, the pair have not had discussions about the potential for spin-offs that could further expand on the world’s other characters.
“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,” Mazin told TheWrap in an interview in accordance with WGA guidelines and facilitated through his personal publicist. “I don’t know how much more ‘The Last of Us’ I personally would be able to do. I mean,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Before the first season of HBO’s The Last of Us even premiered, series creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin were adamant that they wouldn’t drag the series out beyond the story told in the games, no matter how popular the series did or didn’t become. Even though they’ve already used the show to expand upon this world, Mazin doesn’t want to make a “spinning-plates-go-on-forever show” or for the series to feel like a “perpetual motion machine,” which makes sense given that season one has already adapted the entirety of the first game. So what does this mean for the future of the series?
We already know that The Last of Us has been renewed for a second season, and that season 2 will begin to adapt the controversial second game The Last of Us Part II. However, while season 1 was able to adapt the entire first game,...
We already know that The Last of Us has been renewed for a second season, and that season 2 will begin to adapt the controversial second game The Last of Us Part II. However, while season 1 was able to adapt the entire first game,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
This story about HBO’s “The Last of Us” first appeared in the Down to the Wire: Drama and Limited Series issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
Going into Emmy nominations morning, most Emmy watchers figured that “The Last of Us,” the hit HBO drama series adaptation of the PlayStation video game franchise, would do pretty well. But that doesn’t mean they were expecting that the series, a dystopian road trip through an American landscape ravaged by a fungal infection that essentially turns people into zombies, would land 24 nominations, second only to “Succession” among all programs. Nor was Mazin expecting a congratulatory letter from none other than Steven Spielberg.
“We thought, ‘Hey, we’ll probably get some,’” executive producer, co-writer and co-creator Craig Mazin said in an interview conducted according to WGA strike guidance and coordinated through his personal publicist. “But none of us thought we were gonna get 24 nominations.
Going into Emmy nominations morning, most Emmy watchers figured that “The Last of Us,” the hit HBO drama series adaptation of the PlayStation video game franchise, would do pretty well. But that doesn’t mean they were expecting that the series, a dystopian road trip through an American landscape ravaged by a fungal infection that essentially turns people into zombies, would land 24 nominations, second only to “Succession” among all programs. Nor was Mazin expecting a congratulatory letter from none other than Steven Spielberg.
“We thought, ‘Hey, we’ll probably get some,’” executive producer, co-writer and co-creator Craig Mazin said in an interview conducted according to WGA strike guidance and coordinated through his personal publicist. “But none of us thought we were gonna get 24 nominations.
- 8/18/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
One of the best things about being a creative who also happens to be a big fan when adapting a significant work is getting to put your own mark on already established characters. You know, add a little bit of your special sauce into the mix.
What HBO's "The Last of Us" did so well is give the game's fans the moments they craved to see brought into live action while also taking radical left turns from time to time. The Frank and Bill episode is a perfect example of this. It's drastically different than anything we experience in the game, but truth be told, it's actually way more meaningful.
This keeps the fans on their toes because they kinda know what's coming next, and they kinda don't.
A small moment that was added to the story is one of the most emotionally impactful. Throughout the entire run of "The Last of Us,...
What HBO's "The Last of Us" did so well is give the game's fans the moments they craved to see brought into live action while also taking radical left turns from time to time. The Frank and Bill episode is a perfect example of this. It's drastically different than anything we experience in the game, but truth be told, it's actually way more meaningful.
This keeps the fans on their toes because they kinda know what's coming next, and they kinda don't.
A small moment that was added to the story is one of the most emotionally impactful. Throughout the entire run of "The Last of Us,...
- 8/18/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Naughty Dog's "The Last of Us" has endured over the last 10 years and counting. There are solid reasons behind the survival-horror video game's overwhelming popularity, including a compelling, immersive storyline that presents moral quandaries that are uncomfortable and gut-wrenching at the same time. "The Last of Us" is intrinsically entrenched in pathos, as it charts the correlation between love and violence and how these dual impulses shape us in a volatile, apocalyptic world. The first installment's follow-up, "The Last of Us Part II," anchors itself in a tragic death, which fuels one of its characters to walk a path of no return, reiterating the themes of unhealed trauma and cyclical grief.
Earlier this year, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann were able to catch lightning in a bottle with HBO's near-sublime "The Last of Us" adaptation, which walked the tightrope of being faithful to the source material while also indulging in meaningful artistic liberties.
Earlier this year, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann were able to catch lightning in a bottle with HBO's near-sublime "The Last of Us" adaptation, which walked the tightrope of being faithful to the source material while also indulging in meaningful artistic liberties.
- 8/17/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Los Angeles, Aug 17 (Ians) ‘The Last Of Us’ series may have been a massive success, but the upcoming ‘The Last Of Us 2’ will find itself in tight waters due to both the massive hate the game has received and the ongoing Hollywood strikes.
Amid that, the showrunners have given some details about ‘Tlou 2’ teasing that they may have found someone to play the role of the second game’s antagonist Abby.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann were asked if they had found someone to essay the role of Abby, Mazin laughingly teased “Maybe”.
Mazin said: “The strike stopped us in our tracks. Things were in process. Look, Abby was the first role that we wanted to tackle. We’ve got a pretty good track record of making major cast announcements and people going, ‘Really?’ which will probably continue. So people may disagree, but I think...
Amid that, the showrunners have given some details about ‘Tlou 2’ teasing that they may have found someone to play the role of the second game’s antagonist Abby.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann were asked if they had found someone to essay the role of Abby, Mazin laughingly teased “Maybe”.
Mazin said: “The strike stopped us in our tracks. Things were in process. Look, Abby was the first role that we wanted to tackle. We’ve got a pretty good track record of making major cast announcements and people going, ‘Really?’ which will probably continue. So people may disagree, but I think...
- 8/17/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Humanitas, the organization that annually honors film and television writers whose work best explores the human condition, has revealed its 2023 winners.
Among the prizewinners is Craig Mazin, who scripted Season 1 The Last of Us episode “Long Long Time” that starred Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett. Mazin won in the Drama Teleplay category, beating out fellow semifinalists that included Peter Gould who was up for the series-finale episode of Better Call Saul.
Other Humanitas category winners in TV included Amy Sherman-Palladino for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Comedy Teleplay), and Tony Phelan & Joan Rater for the pilot of A Small Light in Limited Series.
On the movie side, winners included Tyler Perry for his Tyler Perry: A Jazzman’s Blues in the Drama Feature Film category, over Rebecca Lenkiewicz for She Said and Michael Reilly & Keith Beauchamp and Chinonye Chukwu for Till. Cooper Raiff won Comedy Feature Film for his indie Cha Cha Real Smooth,...
Among the prizewinners is Craig Mazin, who scripted Season 1 The Last of Us episode “Long Long Time” that starred Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett. Mazin won in the Drama Teleplay category, beating out fellow semifinalists that included Peter Gould who was up for the series-finale episode of Better Call Saul.
Other Humanitas category winners in TV included Amy Sherman-Palladino for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Comedy Teleplay), and Tony Phelan & Joan Rater for the pilot of A Small Light in Limited Series.
On the movie side, winners included Tyler Perry for his Tyler Perry: A Jazzman’s Blues in the Drama Feature Film category, over Rebecca Lenkiewicz for She Said and Michael Reilly & Keith Beauchamp and Chinonye Chukwu for Till. Cooper Raiff won Comedy Feature Film for his indie Cha Cha Real Smooth,...
- 8/16/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
If there was any lingering doubt, The Last of Us proved that even the most hard-core genre concept (in this case, a zombie tale adapted from a video game) can become a best-of-class prestige TV drama in the hands of hugely talented creatives — in this case, showrunners Craig Mazin (who made HBO’s gripping Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmann (who developed PlayStation’s The Last of Us game and its sequel). Their tale of a hardened pandemic survivor (Pedro Pascal) transporting a teenager (Bella Ramsey) across a post-apocalyptic America full of danger and destruction earned a whopping 24 Emmy nominations (second only to Succession) and was a major streaming hit (averaging more than 30 million viewers per episode).
Craig Mazin
But perhaps one of the most meaningful accolades came in the form of a simple email. “Steven Spielberg sent an email about episode three [the acclaimed ‘Long, Long Time,’ focusing on a survivor couple played by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett],” Mazin marvels. “He was...
Craig Mazin
But perhaps one of the most meaningful accolades came in the form of a simple email. “Steven Spielberg sent an email about episode three [the acclaimed ‘Long, Long Time,’ focusing on a survivor couple played by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett],” Mazin marvels. “He was...
- 8/16/2023
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“I think a lot of people don’t know what we do because a lot is done behind closed doors. And I think what’s great about what we do is that we really are affecting how a movie’s going to turn out, and that’s very exciting,” reveals casting director Victoria Thomas. She earned an Emmy nomination casting the hit drama “The Last of Us” for HBO. It’s a project she says needed the right mix of known and unknown talent to capture the essence of the post-apocalyptic world that viewers couldn’t get enough of. “From the beginning we wanted to have the ability to introduce new actors into it, but also to sort of honor the game and honor the actors who have been a part of it, and also honor the fans,” she explains. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
“This was a process...
“This was a process...
- 8/14/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
“The Last of Us” bosses originally had someone else in mind to play Joel Miller instead of Pedro Pascal.
Showrunner Craig Mazin recently spoke out about the successful show on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, confirming Matthew McConaughey was initially being considered to play the role.
Mazin shared, “I did talk to Matthew. I can’t say that it was a series [of conversations]. It was more of a, ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,'” People reported.
Read More: Woody Harrelson Wants To Get A Test To See If Matthew McConaughey Really Is His Half-Brother
Mazin — who oversaw the series alongside fellow showrunner and video game creator, Neil Druckmann — added of Pascal, who ended up taking on the role: “Pedro was on our list from the start.
“We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his agent who said,...
Showrunner Craig Mazin recently spoke out about the successful show on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, confirming Matthew McConaughey was initially being considered to play the role.
Mazin shared, “I did talk to Matthew. I can’t say that it was a series [of conversations]. It was more of a, ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,'” People reported.
Read More: Woody Harrelson Wants To Get A Test To See If Matthew McConaughey Really Is His Half-Brother
Mazin — who oversaw the series alongside fellow showrunner and video game creator, Neil Druckmann — added of Pascal, who ended up taking on the role: “Pedro was on our list from the start.
“We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his agent who said,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Before Pedro Pascal landed the male lead in HBO’s adaptation of the hugely popular “The Last of Us” video game, rumors swirled that co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann were trying to lure former “True Detective” stars Mahershala Ali and Matthew McConaughey back to the network to headline the series. Mazin finally sounded off on the casting rumors during a recent interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast.
“I actually never talked to Mahershala,” Mazin said before confirming that talks with McConaughey did in fact take place. However, it sounds like McConaughey’s casting never made it past early discussions about the project.
“I did talk to Matthew,” Mazin said. “I can’t say that it was serious, it was more of just like, ‘Hey, here’s something we can talk about’… It’s one of those things where I’m sure there’s an alternate universe where it’s a different guy.
“I actually never talked to Mahershala,” Mazin said before confirming that talks with McConaughey did in fact take place. However, it sounds like McConaughey’s casting never made it past early discussions about the project.
“I did talk to Matthew,” Mazin said. “I can’t say that it was serious, it was more of just like, ‘Hey, here’s something we can talk about’… It’s one of those things where I’m sure there’s an alternate universe where it’s a different guy.
- 6/23/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
HBO’s hit action-drama “The Last of Us” is set in a world similar to ours that has undergone a catastrophe, so it’s not hard to imagine one more. What if the popular video game adaptation did not star the internet’s Daddy (or is he a Zaddy? Do we still have Zaddies?) Pedro Pascal? Before you grab your smelling salts, you must know that this isn’t mere speculation. Indeed, the series co-creator, Craig Mazin, recently went on Josh Horowitz’s podcast “Happy Sad Confused” and said there were, indeed, other actors in the mix. And one of them was Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey.
Mazin said that it never got past the initial talks phase, though. “It was more of a, ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,’” he said. “Pedro was on our list from the start. We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit,...
Mazin said that it never got past the initial talks phase, though. “It was more of a, ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,’” he said. “Pedro was on our list from the start. We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us burst onto screens earlier this year, delivering bumper ratings and critical acclaim.
Before The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal landed the coveted role, other names were in consideration.
Now, we're hearing more about one of those names.
The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin dropped by the Happy Sad Confused podcast and revealed Matthew McConaughey was in talks to take on the beloved role.
I did talk to Matthew. I can't say that it was a series [of conversations]. It was more of a, 'Hey, here's something to talk about,'" explained Mazin, but he admitted Pascal was on their list from the start.
"We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his agent who said, 'You know, he actually might be available.'"
Understandably, there were high expectations for the series based...
Before The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal landed the coveted role, other names were in consideration.
Now, we're hearing more about one of those names.
The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin dropped by the Happy Sad Confused podcast and revealed Matthew McConaughey was in talks to take on the beloved role.
I did talk to Matthew. I can't say that it was a series [of conversations]. It was more of a, 'Hey, here's something to talk about,'" explained Mazin, but he admitted Pascal was on their list from the start.
"We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his agent who said, 'You know, he actually might be available.'"
Understandably, there were high expectations for the series based...
- 6/23/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Hit HBO series The Last of Us could have looked very different. Showrunner Craig Mazin has revealed that Matthew McConaughey was in talks to play the lead role of Joel Miller before its eventual star Pedro Pascal. “I did talk to Matthew. I can’t say that it was like a series [of conversations]. It was more a case of ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,'” he explained during a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz. “Pedro was on our list from the start. We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his [McConaughey’s] agent who said, ‘You know, he actually might be available.'” Mazin oversaw the hit series with Neil Druckmann, who created the 2013 video game on which it is based. The Last of Us, which debuted on HBO in January 2023, co-starred Bella Ramsey as Ellie.
- 6/23/2023
- TV Insider
While audiences have loved Pedro Pascal as Joel in the TV-series, ‘The Last of Us’, the co-creator of the show Craig Mazin has revealed that Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey was also in talks to play the leading role in the highly-acclaimed series.
During a recent episode of the ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast Mazin said that he “did talk to Matthew (McConaughey)” at one point.
“I can’t say that it was like a series (of conversations). It was more of a, ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,'” he explained, as per ‘The Hollywood Reporter’.
“Pedro was on our list from the start. We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his (McConaughey’s) agent who said, ‘You know, he actually might be available.'”
Mazin, who oversaw the series beside fellow showrunner and video game creator,...
During a recent episode of the ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast Mazin said that he “did talk to Matthew (McConaughey)” at one point.
“I can’t say that it was like a series (of conversations). It was more of a, ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,'” he explained, as per ‘The Hollywood Reporter’.
“Pedro was on our list from the start. We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his (McConaughey’s) agent who said, ‘You know, he actually might be available.'”
Mazin, who oversaw the series beside fellow showrunner and video game creator,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
It may be hard to imagine anyone other than Pedro Pascal playing Joel in The Last of Us, but series co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed that an Oscar-winning actor was also in talks for the role.
During a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, the show’s boss noted that he “did talk to Matthew [McConaughey]” at one point.
“I can’t say that it was like a series [of conversations]. It was more of a, ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,'” he explained. “Pedro was on our list from the start. We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his [McConaughey’s] agent who said, ‘You know, he actually might be available.'”
Mazin went on to detail Pascal’s excitement for the series after reading the script for the first time.
“Normally when you...
During a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, the show’s boss noted that he “did talk to Matthew [McConaughey]” at one point.
“I can’t say that it was like a series [of conversations]. It was more of a, ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,'” he explained. “Pedro was on our list from the start. We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his [McConaughey’s] agent who said, ‘You know, he actually might be available.'”
Mazin went on to detail Pascal’s excitement for the series after reading the script for the first time.
“Normally when you...
- 6/23/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Pedro Pascal playing Joel Miller in HBO’s live-action adaptation of The Last of Us, but one of the early names up for the role was Matthew McConaughey.
While speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, The Last of Us co-showrunner Craig Mazin confirmed that he did have talks with Matthew McConaughey about starring in the series. “I did talk to Matthew. I can’t say that it was a series [of conversations]. It was more of a, ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,’” Mazin said. “Pedro was on our list from the start. We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his agent who said, ‘You know, he actually might be available.’“
Although I’m sure Matthew McConaughey would have done a great job with Joel Miller, I think...
While speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, The Last of Us co-showrunner Craig Mazin confirmed that he did have talks with Matthew McConaughey about starring in the series. “I did talk to Matthew. I can’t say that it was a series [of conversations]. It was more of a, ‘Hey, here’s something to talk about,’” Mazin said. “Pedro was on our list from the start. We were told he was unavailable, and then as we were floundering about a little bit, I got a call from his agent who said, ‘You know, he actually might be available.’“
Although I’m sure Matthew McConaughey would have done a great job with Joel Miller, I think...
- 6/22/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Craig Mazin, showrunner of The Last of Us, is opening up about working on the script for Dune: Part Two.
Mazin made an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast where he said director Denis Villeneuve called on him to work on the script for the sequel that stars Timothé Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler and Florence Pugh.
“I’m out of the movie business, basically,” Mazin said. “I’ll work with certain directors when they call because I love them and because they’re so brilliant, so if, like, Denis Villeneuve calls, then absolutely. I’m there for, three-four weeks, a month, to work on what you’re working on.”
Villeneuve co-wrote the script with Jon Spaihts and Mazin will now receive a credit as the WGA rules recently changed. Under previous policy Mazin’s work on Dune: Part Two would’ve gone uncredited but will now get credit for...
Mazin made an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast where he said director Denis Villeneuve called on him to work on the script for the sequel that stars Timothé Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler and Florence Pugh.
“I’m out of the movie business, basically,” Mazin said. “I’ll work with certain directors when they call because I love them and because they’re so brilliant, so if, like, Denis Villeneuve calls, then absolutely. I’m there for, three-four weeks, a month, to work on what you’re working on.”
Villeneuve co-wrote the script with Jon Spaihts and Mazin will now receive a credit as the WGA rules recently changed. Under previous policy Mazin’s work on Dune: Part Two would’ve gone uncredited but will now get credit for...
- 6/21/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Craig Mazin has not seen the last of his film screenwriting career.
The “Last of Us” co-showrunner revealed during the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that “Dune: Part Two” writer-director Denis Villeneuve reached out to Mazin to spend a month assisting on the script for the sequel starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh.
Mazin noted that Villeneuve personally called him since Mazin is “out of the movie business” almost entirely and focused on TV.
“I’ll work with certain directors when they call because I love them and because they’re so brilliant,” Mazin said. “So if Denis Villeneuve calls, then absolutely. I’m there for three, four weeks — a month — to work on what you’re working on.”
“Dune: Part Two” is co-written by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts, with Mazin now receiving a writing credit. The film follows Paul (Chalamet) as he seeks revenge for the murder...
The “Last of Us” co-showrunner revealed during the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that “Dune: Part Two” writer-director Denis Villeneuve reached out to Mazin to spend a month assisting on the script for the sequel starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh.
Mazin noted that Villeneuve personally called him since Mazin is “out of the movie business” almost entirely and focused on TV.
“I’ll work with certain directors when they call because I love them and because they’re so brilliant,” Mazin said. “So if Denis Villeneuve calls, then absolutely. I’m there for three, four weeks — a month — to work on what you’re working on.”
“Dune: Part Two” is co-written by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts, with Mazin now receiving a writing credit. The film follows Paul (Chalamet) as he seeks revenge for the murder...
- 6/21/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Dune: Part Two, the second half of director Denis Villeneuve’s two-part adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel Dune, has a release date of November 3rd – and in this build-up to the film’s release, we’ve previously only heard that Villeneuve wrote the screenplay with Jon Spaihts, who he also collaborated with on the script for Dune: Part One. (Their Part One co-writer Eric Roth decided not to work on the follow-up.) Now, The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin has revealed that he was also a “participating writer” on Dune: Part Two!
Speaking with The Playlist, Mazin said that he’s basically out of the movie business, because he’s focusing on The Last of Us and his other TV work. But “I will work with certain directors when they call because I love them and because they’re so brilliant. So if, like, Denis Villeneuve calls, then absolutely.
Speaking with The Playlist, Mazin said that he’s basically out of the movie business, because he’s focusing on The Last of Us and his other TV work. But “I will work with certain directors when they call because I love them and because they’re so brilliant. So if, like, Denis Villeneuve calls, then absolutely.
- 6/21/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Los Angeles, June 21 (Ians) Screenwriter and director Craig Mazin, who is best known for creating shows such as ‘Chernobyl’ and ‘The Last Of Us’, will now also be receiving writing credit on director Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming sci-fi epic drama ‘Dune: Part 2’.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, during a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast, Mazin said that he is essentially out of the movie business but will collaborate with certain directors for an occasional gig.
“I’ll work with certain directors when they call because I love them and because they’re so brilliant,” he explained. “So if Denis Villeneuve calls, then absolutely. I’m there for three, four weeks – a month – to work on what you’re working on.”
Mazin stressed that while working on his own projects is his top priority, he will on occasion take up some more additional work. He...
As per The Hollywood Reporter, during a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast, Mazin said that he is essentially out of the movie business but will collaborate with certain directors for an occasional gig.
“I’ll work with certain directors when they call because I love them and because they’re so brilliant,” he explained. “So if Denis Villeneuve calls, then absolutely. I’m there for three, four weeks – a month – to work on what you’re working on.”
Mazin stressed that while working on his own projects is his top priority, he will on occasion take up some more additional work. He...
- 6/21/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Craig Mazin is getting a writing credit on Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming Dune: Part 2.
During an appearance on the latest episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, which went live on Monday, the Last of Us co-showrunner revealed that he will receive a writing credit on the script, which was co-written by the director and Jon Spaihts.
Mazin says his involvement with the project came at the behest of Villeneuve himself, as he’s basically “out of the movie business.”
“I’ll work with certain directors when they call because I love them and because they’re so brilliant,” he explained. “So if Denis Villeneuve calls, then absolutely. I’m there for three, four weeks — a month — to work on what you’re working on.”
He said that he came long after the original script and that what he did as a participating writer is the kind of work that used to be “uncredited.
During an appearance on the latest episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, which went live on Monday, the Last of Us co-showrunner revealed that he will receive a writing credit on the script, which was co-written by the director and Jon Spaihts.
Mazin says his involvement with the project came at the behest of Villeneuve himself, as he’s basically “out of the movie business.”
“I’ll work with certain directors when they call because I love them and because they’re so brilliant,” he explained. “So if Denis Villeneuve calls, then absolutely. I’m there for three, four weeks — a month — to work on what you’re working on.”
He said that he came long after the original script and that what he did as a participating writer is the kind of work that used to be “uncredited.
- 6/20/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This story about director Peter Hoar and “The Last of Us” first ran in the Drama Series issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
For pure emotional punch this past TV season, one need look no further than “Long, Long Time,” the third episode of HBO’s “The Last of Us.” Detouring from the main journey of a lone man and the fungus-resistant young woman under his care (Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey) navigating zombie-strewn roads, the series settled down for a decades-spanning romance between two older men, Bill and Frank (played unforgettably by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett), that resonated with its universality and refusal to reduce the duo to dreary stereotypes. If your heart didn’t break watching these men make peace with their life decisions through the unsteady ages, you simply do not and never did have one beating in your chest.
“I would have said yes to...
For pure emotional punch this past TV season, one need look no further than “Long, Long Time,” the third episode of HBO’s “The Last of Us.” Detouring from the main journey of a lone man and the fungus-resistant young woman under his care (Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey) navigating zombie-strewn roads, the series settled down for a decades-spanning romance between two older men, Bill and Frank (played unforgettably by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett), that resonated with its universality and refusal to reduce the duo to dreary stereotypes. If your heart didn’t break watching these men make peace with their life decisions through the unsteady ages, you simply do not and never did have one beating in your chest.
“I would have said yes to...
- 6/19/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
Steven Spielberg was one of the first A-listers to praise “The Last of Us,” according to director Peter Hoar.
The Episode 3 helmer told The Hollywood Reporter that series creator Craig Mazin received a letter from the iconic Oscar winner applauding the queer storyline in the third episode, titled “Long, Long Time.”
“Well, I didn’t get it directly, but [an actual Spielberg letter] came to Craig Mazin, the writer of my episode on ‘The Last of Us’ — the writer of all the episodes,” director Peter Hoar said. “He shared it with myself, Nick Offerman, Murray Bartlett and [cinematographer] Eben Bolter. Basically, a whole group of middle-aged men started squealing because their idol had realized who they were.”
Hoar continued, “I think he probably knew who everyone else was, but he didn’t know who I was. And now he’s probably forgotten.”
The director addressed Mazin’s “universal” storyline in the third episode...
The Episode 3 helmer told The Hollywood Reporter that series creator Craig Mazin received a letter from the iconic Oscar winner applauding the queer storyline in the third episode, titled “Long, Long Time.”
“Well, I didn’t get it directly, but [an actual Spielberg letter] came to Craig Mazin, the writer of my episode on ‘The Last of Us’ — the writer of all the episodes,” director Peter Hoar said. “He shared it with myself, Nick Offerman, Murray Bartlett and [cinematographer] Eben Bolter. Basically, a whole group of middle-aged men started squealing because their idol had realized who they were.”
Hoar continued, “I think he probably knew who everyone else was, but he didn’t know who I was. And now he’s probably forgotten.”
The director addressed Mazin’s “universal” storyline in the third episode...
- 6/9/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Editor’s note: Deadline’s It Starts on the Page features 10 standout drama series scripts in 2023 Emmy contention. It showcases the critical role writer’s work plays in a show’s success. All materials (the script and writers intro) were submitted before the WGA strike began on May 2.
Craig Mazin followed his Emmy-winning limited series Chernobyl with The Last of Us, which he co-created with Neil Druckmann. The HBO post-apocalyptic zombie drama starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey launched to strong reviews and enthusiastic response from fans of the video game it is based on.
Then Episode 3 came along, taking pop culture by storm. It transcended genre to attract audiences who had never played the game or watched a zombie show and catapulted a 50-year-old Linda Ronstadt song to the top of the music charts.
Titled “Long Long Time” after Ronstadt’s song, the episode, hailed as one of the...
Craig Mazin followed his Emmy-winning limited series Chernobyl with The Last of Us, which he co-created with Neil Druckmann. The HBO post-apocalyptic zombie drama starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey launched to strong reviews and enthusiastic response from fans of the video game it is based on.
Then Episode 3 came along, taking pop culture by storm. It transcended genre to attract audiences who had never played the game or watched a zombie show and catapulted a 50-year-old Linda Ronstadt song to the top of the music charts.
Titled “Long Long Time” after Ronstadt’s song, the episode, hailed as one of the...
- 5/23/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Thanks to a crowded fantasy/sci-fi Emmys field, some of the best new shows of the season steeped in fantasy, sci-fi, or horror are opting instead to compete in contemporary craft categories to avoid direct competition.
These include “The Last of Us,” HBO’s riveting video game adaptation of a post-apocalyptic America with a zombie-like vibe, “Mrs. Davis,” Peacock’s glorious genre-bending adventure, “Wednesday,” Netflix’s “Addams Family” spin-off about monstrous teens, and “Dead Ringers,” Prime Video’s update of the David Cronenberg body horror thriller, starring Rachel Weisz as the gender-flipped twin gynecologists.
However, this strategy of going contemporary is not unique. Just last season, Netflix entered its survival thriller juggernaut, “Squid Game,” in contemporary categories for production design and costume design, and came away with the Emmy for the former. And, although it didn’t pan out, the imaginatively retro “Severance” also competed for contemporary production design.
“Wednesday...
These include “The Last of Us,” HBO’s riveting video game adaptation of a post-apocalyptic America with a zombie-like vibe, “Mrs. Davis,” Peacock’s glorious genre-bending adventure, “Wednesday,” Netflix’s “Addams Family” spin-off about monstrous teens, and “Dead Ringers,” Prime Video’s update of the David Cronenberg body horror thriller, starring Rachel Weisz as the gender-flipped twin gynecologists.
However, this strategy of going contemporary is not unique. Just last season, Netflix entered its survival thriller juggernaut, “Squid Game,” in contemporary categories for production design and costume design, and came away with the Emmy for the former. And, although it didn’t pan out, the imaginatively retro “Severance” also competed for contemporary production design.
“Wednesday...
- 5/22/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
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