The Last Of Us co-creator Craig Mazin has drawn intriguing parallels between an upcoming action sequence in season 2 and a renowned battle from Game of Thrones. Set to premiere in 2023, this HBO series is based on the acclaimed PlayStation video game franchise by Naughty Dog. The narrative follows the harrowing journey of survivors Joel (portrayed by Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) as they navigate a post-apocalyptic United States ravaged by a deadly fungal infection. Following the first season’s exceptional reviews and robust viewer ratings, anticipation for season 2 is mounting, with trailers hinting at a gripping siege in the fortified town of Jackson, Wyoming.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Mazin, alongside co-creator Neil Druckmann, discussed whether Game of Thrones influenced the action-packed sequences in the Jackson storyline for The Last of Us season 2. Mazin, an admirer of the fantasy drama, highlighted the impactful “Hardhome”episode from season 5, noting how it skillfully blends thrilling action with a deeper emotional narrative. His insights are captured in the excerpt below:
Certainly as a Thrones fanatic, I remember from watching “Hardhome” and not thinking about how complicated and impressive the action was. What I remembered was how moving and important the things that were happening inside the action were. That Wildling woman [Karsi], seeing her get turned, and seeing The Night King raise the dead and being like, “Hey, you and me, Jon Snow, we’re on a collision course, my friend, and the more you fight me, the worse it gets for you.” The desperation, the total loss.
That is really our philosophy about action. What’s the point? So in building this sequence, we were very ambitious because we just wanted to show how bad it could get. But always the question was: Why? What is this about, what does this change, and what does this mean for our people moving forward?
Jackson is, as we see in episode one, is growing, it’s expanding. There is a certain cockiness. They don’t seem particularly worried about the trouble outside. They’ve gotten a little complacent. They have a New Year’s Eve dance. They’re going to therapy, They’re refurbishing homes. They’ve got patrols down to a science. On the other hand, you’re like: Guys don’t you know you’re living in a TV show?
Implications for The Last Of Us Season 2
The Impact of Hardhome in Game of Thrones
Despite the controversies that marred the final two seasons of Game of Thrones, the series was celebrated for its iconic action sequences, particularly the Battle of Hardhome. Although not the largest conflict in the show, this battle shocked audiences, featuring Jon Snow (Kit Harington) confronting a formidable army of wights and White Walkers during an expedition north of the Wall. According to IMDb, “Hardhome”ranks as the fourth highest-rated episode in the entire series.
Trailers for The Last of Us season 2 reveal notable similarities between the “Hardhome”episode and the impending siege on Jackson. Both confrontations unfold against a snowy backdrop and showcase human forces defending against monstrous adversaries attempting to penetrate wooden fortifications. In Game of Thrones, **”Hardhome”emphasizes the Night King’s overwhelming threat to Westeros**, reinforcing Jon’s motivations. While it remains uncertain how the Jackson siege will influence the character arcs in The Last of Us, it is poised to significantly alter the status quo.
Analyzing The Last Of Us’ Hardhome-Inspired Battle
Season 1 Sets the Bar High for the Jackson Sequence
The fifth episode of The Last of Us season 1, titled “Endure and Survive,”showcased the adeptness of Mazin, Druckmann, and director Jeremy Webb in executing large-scale battle scenes. While much of season 1 is centered on intimate moments of tension with both infected and other hostile survivors, this particular episode presented a massive confrontation against an army of infected, including the terrifying Bloater form.
Season 2’s Jackson battle promises to elevate the stakes even further, potentially featuring a dramatic increase in the number of infected individuals, signaling the possibility of significant human losses. If the episode mirrors the thrilling dynamics of Game of Thrones‘s “Hardhome,”audiences are in for an unforgettable viewing experience that builds on a legacy of compelling television.
The Last of Us season 2 is set to debut on HBO on Sunday, April 13.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter