After a disappointing delay into a dismally reviewed season 2, “The Last of Us” seems to have suffered some serious behind the scenes setbacks as well. Neil Neil Druckmann, the OG creator of the original video game version of “The Last of Us” has decided to step away from the TV series after a season 2 that deeply divided the franchises core fanbase. The same day, longtime franchise writer Halley Gross announced she would also be stepping away from the show. While season 2 has managed to man gain a 91% RT score amongst critics, the fan score is in the 30’s, down from 86%. As many casualties of the streaming wars are learning the hard way, critical acclaim doesn’t always equal renewals and bigger budgets. The fact that the original writers for the first 2 games, and the franchise creator is now gone is definitely cause for concern amongst loyal fans.
Druckmann made a statement to go with his resignation: “I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my creative involvement in The Last of Us on HBO. With work completed on season 2 and before any meaningful work starts in season 3, now is the right time for me to transition my complete focus to Naughty Dog and it’s future projects, including writing and directing our exciting next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, along with my responsibilities as studio head and Head of Creative.”
While season 2 has managed to man gain a 91% RT score amongst critics, the fan score is in the 30’s, down from 86%. As many casualties of the streaming wars are learning the hard way, critical acclaim doesn’t always equal renewals and bigger budgets.”
It’s clear the man has a lot on his plate, but granted the immense popularity that the TV series initially brought back to his franchise and video game development company, the move is somewhat surprising. Behind the scenes it could be argues the divided fans many have created creative tension between Druckmann and Co-Showrunner/Series Co-Creator Craig Marin although the two have had nothing but nice things to say about each other.
Druckmann would go on to say that “Co-creating the show has been a career highlight. It’s been an honor to work alongside Craig Mazin to executive produce, direct and write on the last two seasons. I’m deeply thankful of the thoughtful approach and dedication the talented cast and crew took. To adopting The Last of Us Part I and their continued adaptations of The Last of Us Part II. I look forward to HBO and PlayStation Productions continuing Ellie and Abby;s story next season.”
Mazin also made a statement earring the Co-Creator’s exit: “It’s been a creative dream to work with Neil and bring an adaptation of his brilliant work to life on HBO. I couldn’t have asked for a more generous creative partner. As a true fan of Naughty Dog and Neil’s work in video games, I’m beyond excited to play his next game. While he focuses on that, I’ll continue to work with our brilliant cast and crew to deliver the show our audience has come to expect. We are so grateful to Neil and Halley Gross for entrusting the incredible story of The last of Us Part II to us and we’re just as grateful to millions of people around the world who tune in.”
Above board, the departures seem amicable although we can all silently wondered what kind of. Conversations might have been had behind closed doors. Both Druckmann and Gross may be just going back to what they do best – videogames, but the fact that no meaningful work has been done on season 3 isn’t a massive vote of confidence for the future of “The Last of Us”.
We don’t expect to see another episode of the series until 2027 earliest and that may even end up being wishful thinking. Which no concerns of a childhood star growing up anymore, there doesn’t seem to be any ticking clock that will be motivating Mazin and his team at HBO to deliver us any more fungus zombie content anytime soon. After the season 2 finale., Druckmann had said: “We’re telling you that next season, there’s an epic nature to everything that’s about to happen.” With the next season set to feature season 2 antagonist, Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, who will actually be a protagonist in season 3.
What do you think? Will the focus on a different character than Bella Ramsey’s Ella help mend a divided fanbase? Or will certain longtime fans never be happy, given the current casting situation? Will Pedro Pascal get any more shining flashback moments? Will Druckmann’s next game, ‘Intergalactic’, live up to the hype and get it’s own adaptation? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
