The Last of Us' HBO series is well underway into production with numerous behind-the-scenes set photos shared from different locations in Canada. Early looks at The Last of Us' characters, such as Pedro Pascal's Joel and Bella Ramsey's Ellie, have been shown, and The Last of Us' creative director and writer has shared more information from the filming location in Canada.
Because Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann was promoted to creative director in the midst of also writing The Last of Us' seminal video game, it makes sense that his expertise on the source material would translate to a role in the TV series' development in some capacity. Druckmann's involvement is also a balm that should ensure fans of the franchise that its writing and development will be handled with authenticity and respect to the original game. This morning, it was shared that Druckmann's contributions to the series have concluded.
Druckmann's contributions to The Last of Us' HBO series have varied between roles as co-writer, executive producer, and now director, as Druckmann's photo of a notable clapperboard depicts. But with a photo shared of a scenic Canadian skyline, Druckmann states that his "time in Canada has come to an end." Druckmann thanks the series' crew for its "incredible work" and "passion", as well as welcoming him into the realm of writing and directing for television. But while Druckmann's work has wrapped, it is interesting to take a look back at what episodes he may have directed.
Druckmann's clapperboard credits him as a director, though the extent to which he was able to lend his directing chops is unclear. Based upon the set photos that were shared from locations in Edmonton and Calgary in Alberta, Canada, it is possible that Druckmann directed scenes from early into The Last of Us with Joel, Ellie, and Tess as they make their way to the Capitol Building in Boston.
It is interesting that Druckmann will not be around The Last of Us' series production for its entirety, though perhaps he was only previously signed to direct a limited number of scenes and has already provided his writing contributions to the show. Druckmann is now escaping Canada's frigid weather and returning to Naughty Dog to perhaps continue working on an unannounced game, whether it is set in The Last of Us franchise, another franchise such as Uncharted, or a completely new Naughty Dog IP.
The Last of Us is currently in production.