An unexpected twist for season 3 of The Last of Us: Neil Druckmann leaves the series
The creator of the original video game will no longer be in control of the serial HBO adaptation.
Draft behind the scenes of The Last of Us.
The duo Neil Druckmann / Craig Mazin is no longer. The co-creator of the original game and pillar of his HBO adaptation, announced that he left the series After the end of season 2, now completed. The news was made public via the official Instagram account of Naughty Dogthe video game studio he directs. Druckmann explains having taken “the Difficult decision to withdraw from the series“.
A priori, it is not a clash with the authors or HBO who would be the cause of his departure. Neil Druckmann did not slam the door. He would have chosen to withdraw to devote himself fully to future studio projectsin particular writing and making a new game entitled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. He says:
“Correcting the series was a summit of my career. It was an honor to work alongside Craig Mazin to produce, write and realize these first two seasons. I am deeply grateful to the team and the actors for their commitment to adapt these stories with so much care”.
The HBO series, hailed by criticism from its launch in early 2023, is the adaptation of the cult game The Last of Us Part I. Season 2, broadcast earlier this year, began to explore the events of the second video game opus. HBO has officially renewed the series to A season 3 last Aprilbut Druckmann will no longer actively participate in its development.
“With season 2 now finished, and before the work on season 3 really begins, it’s the right time for me to devote myself entirely to Naughty Dog and its future projects. This includes writing and carrying out our next ambitious game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophetas well as my responsibilities as director of the studio and creative director. “
It will nevertheless be credited as executive producer.
Craig Mazin (Creator of Chernobyl) will therefore continue to supervise the rest of the series. Only a priori. And he pays tribute to his comrade:
“Working with Neil to give life to this adaptation was a creative dream. I am a big fan of his work at Naughty Dog, and I can’t wait to play his next game. While he is focusing on it, I will continue the adventure with our great team to deliver the series that fans are waiting for.”
As much as Neil Druckmann Do not leave alone: Halley Grossco-writer of The Last of Us Part II And screenwriter/producer on the HBO series, also confirmed her withdrawal.
“I decided to take a step back to make room for what comes next. Work alongside Neil, Craig, HBO and this incredible team changed my life. The stories that we have told – on love, loss, and what it means to be human in a terrifying world – are the reason why I like this universe”she wrote on Instagram.
