HBO To Produce ‘The Last Of Us’ TV Series, ‘Many Shows’ Based On Other PlayStation Properties Planned

As game adaptations are becoming all the rage on TV, Sony PlayStation is set to bring one of their most popular games to life and is teaming up with HBO to do so. According to Ars Technica, The Last of Us creator and writer Neil Druckmann will join HBO’s Craig Mazin as a co-writer and executive producer, bringing the game to life on the small screen.

This announcement comes as a result of Sony’s plan to see its large volume of games transformed into multiple TV series. PlayStation Productions was formed a year ago and the HBO deal for The Last of Us is its first major announcement. However, this is likely only the beginning.

“This is the first of many shows we intend to develop with our friends at PlayStation Productions,” said Chris Parnell, the co-president of Sony Pictures Television Studios.

After the huge success of Netflix‘s The Witcher, it comes as no surprise that other networks are turning to video games for their next TV hit. Like the Netflix series — who placed Henry Cavill, a massive fan of The Witcher games, in the main role of Geralt of Rivia — so, too, has HBO turned to fans to help them with the show’s production. Mazin stated in the press release that he is an avid player of The Last of Us.

“Getting a chance to adapt this breathtaking work of art has been a dream of mine for years, and I’m so honored to do it in partnership with Neil,” Mazin said.

Previously, Mazin has worked on HBO’s hugely successful Chernobyl series.

Druckmann also heaped praise on Mazin for his knowledge of the universe.

“From the first time I sat down to talk with Craig I was equally blown away by his approach to narrative and his love and deep understanding of The Last of Us. With Chernobyl, Craig and HBO created a tense, harrowing, emotional masterpiece. I couldn’t think of better partners to bring the story of The Last of Us to life as a television show.”

The video game is a post-apocalyptic journey set in the zombie genre. It tells the story of Ellie — a 14-year-old girl who may be the key to finding a cure — and Joel, the man tasked with smuggling her out of a quarantine zone. It seems likely that fans of The Walking Dead will also be eager to check out HBO’s new production.

According to the press release, the TV series will focus on the original game. However, a second installment of the game is set for release on May 29. It is believed that content from this game could also be featured in the TV adaptation. As yet, there is no casting news or information regarding when the series will premiere.

The Hollywood Reporter also lists Carolyn Strauss as an executive producer for the show, along with Evan Wells, who is “the president of Naughty Dog, the Santa Monica-based developer of the game.”