‘We Were Very Ambitious’: Last of Us Co-Creator Shares Game of Thrones Battle Inspiration for Season 2 Action Scene

Overview

  • The upcoming The Last of Us Season 2 promises a significantly darker narrative alongside the introduction of new characters such as Abby and Gail.
  • A newly released trailer emphasizes intense themes, including airborne spores and an escalating conflict between humans and the infected.
  • Action scenes in Season 2 take inspiration from the epic battles of Game of Thrones, showcasing the perilous nature of the world.

The Last of Us Season 2 is set to premiere soon, and anticipation among fans is at an all-time high following the success of the first season. This new installment will shift towards a darker ambiance, departing from some of the more lighthearted moments seen previously. HBO is also introducing an array of new characters that includes Abby Anderson, Dina, and Gail, the latter played by renowned actress Catherine O’Hara from Schitt’s Creek, who portrays a therapist residing in Jackson and is confirmed to be Eugene’s wife.

The latest trailer for Season 2 has unveiled some haunting themes and pulse-pounding moments, reflecting the narrative of the Naughty Dog sequel. With airborne spores now threatening the characters, viewers should brace for a dramatic conflict as a war looms between the living and the infected. Echoes of classic battle scenes from Game of Thrones, notably the fierce encounters in the series, can be felt as townsfolk defend against a horde of enemies flooding into Jackson.

Co-Creator Highlights Action Sequences in Comparison to Game of Thrones‘s Hardhome Battle

The Last of Us Season 2 Jackson battle

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Craig Mazin discussed the creative influences behind the thrilling action sequences in Season 2, specifically those occurring during the intense showdown in Jackson. As a passionate fan of Game of Thrones, Mazin expressed admiration for the craftsmanship in the fifth season’s episode “Hardhome.”He noted that the impressive action design served a greater narrative purpose, something he aims to replicate in his work on The Last of Us.

Mazin reflected, “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.”

He elaborated that the action sequences in Season 2 are ambitious, focusing on how dire the situation has become for the inhabitants of Jackson. The intention is not merely to feature battles for their own sake; rather, they serve to emphasize the gradual complacency that has set in among the townspeople, who have let their guard down over the years. The narrative purpose is to jolt them back into the harsh realities they face.

Mazin stated, “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?”He stressed that the backdrop of Jackson, with its growing confidence and complacency — reflected in scenes of celebrations and everyday life — stands in stark contrast to the threats looming outside its walls.

Although the Battle of Hardhome may not be the largest conflict within the eight seasons of Game of Thrones, its significance to the overarching plot was poignant, especially in regard to the Night King’s character. If Season 2 of The Last of Us can capture even a fraction of that intensity, the upcoming Jackson battle stands the potential to be regarded as one of the most memorable action sequences in television history.

The Last of Us Season 2 will make its debut on April 13 on HBO Max.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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