The Last of Us fans explain what Season 2 needs to change from the games
To say that the pressure is one for HBO's The Last of Us is something of an understatement. Like the network's Game of Thrones and Westworld started out strong before falling off toward the end (the latter was cancelled), how do you try and improve on an already near-perfect series?
Aside from the fiery success of House of the Dragon, The Last of Us scored the biggest ratings in over a decade and was celebrated with critical acclaim and eight Emmy Awards. We know Season 2 is coming in 2025, but with the seemingly impossible task of adapting the divisive The Last of Us Part II, we don't envy the writers.
The Last of Us fans explain what needs to change in Season 2
Over on The Last of Us subreddit, fans are explaining what they think will and won't work from the games. We already know the story will be told over multiple seasons, and although it's unconfirmed, Showrunner Craig Mazin has already pencilled in four seasons as the magic number.
With all this time, there's a little longer to play with the story, which fans think will only work in The Last of Us' favour. Instead of splitting specific seasons into stories for Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Abby Anderson (Kaitlyn Dever), many want their stories to intertwine.
One person said, "I know it's not a popular take in this sub, but I truly think the split story thing from the game won't work for TV. I think they'll do a simultaneous telling of both Ellie and Abby, maybe even tricking folks into thinking they're headed for a showdown at the hospital then BAM, rat king!"
Tell your own story
Click to enlargeIf the events of The Last of Us Part II are going to be told over multiple seasons, it gives Mazin and Game Director Neil Druckmann more room to breathe. Someone else added, "Minimal changes. I just want Mazin to add in more original stuff than in Season 1. I think Part 2 allows a lot more of that than Part I did."
Some of Season 1's best bits were original characters like Melanie Lynskey's Kathleen or major deviations from the source material, such as what happened to Bill and Frank. Home Alone's Catherine O'Hara has been cast in an undisclosed guest role, so it's possible she's playing someone new.
Someone else suggested, "They should do it the same way Stranger Things did. Volume 2 gets released 1 month after volume 1," but good luck with that one. Another else joked, "They need to ban all of Reddit from watching," pointing to the sometimes toxic community that just likes to moan.
As filming continues and The Last of Us Season 2 comes into view, expect everything to become clearer. Much like a vocal minority had a problem with Season 1, we're sure those same critics will be against Season 2 for every minor change or not changing enough. Go figure.
