Chernobyl Creator Adapting The Last of Us for HBO

Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) are on board to develop an HBO series adaptation of the award-winning video game The Last of Us.

The video game, developed by Naughty Dog exclusively for PlayStation platforms, is set 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed and follows a hardened survivor named Joel, who is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie out of an oppressive quarantine zone. As they travel across the U.S., the two ultimately depend on one another for survival. The HBO series will cover the events of the original game, with the possibility of additional content based on the forthcoming game sequel.

Druckmann, who writes the video game, and Mazin will write and executive produce the series. The project is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television in association with PlayStation Productions. It is the first television series from PlayStation Productions.

Casey Bloys, HBO programming president, said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us to partner with Craig, Neil, Carolyn and the teams at Sony, Naughty Dog and PlayStation to bring the virtual world of this acclaimed game to life.”

Mazin said: “Neil Druckmann is without question the finest storyteller working in the video game medium, and The Last of Us is his magnum opus. 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.”

Druckmann said: “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. I’m beyond excited to collaborate with them.”

Chris Parnell, co-president of Sony Pictures Television Studios, said: “This is a true thrill for us at Sony Pictures Television. The Last of Us is a brilliant achievement in storytelling and character development, and we are lucky to have the opportunity to work with this team to adapt it. This is the first of many shows we intend to develop with our friends at PlayStation Productions.”