TV series adaptation Last of us from HBO, also available on HBO Max, absolutely surprised most of those who saw the first episode. In our review, we highlight its good writing and how well it pays homage to the video game. But not everything can be perfect. The creators ended up changing the original opening because it was so boring.
The first episode of the series begins with a TV interview made in the 60s. Dr. Neumann (played by John Hannah) explains what could potentially happen to humanity if fungi evolve – as a result of global warming – and infect humans. Just like it does with some insects.
But initially it would not be so. This is what Craig Mazin, creator of the adaptation Last of us, during the podcast that accompanies the series following the broadcast of each episode. In an interview with Troy Baker, who voices Joel in the game, he detailed why they had to do it.
“When I first pitched the idea for the opening scene, Neil Druckmann (co-showrunner and creator of the game) said, “We could make our own video showing how the cordyceps fungus works, how it captures an ant and turns it into a zombie. Here’s how she explains everything you need to know about this new threat.”
“But seeing the finished opening scene was boring. It’s like being in a science class at school. Then I wrote a new scene like it was an old TV show from 1969. When I showed it to Neal, he said, “That’s a little weird.”
But three or four weeks after the end of the recording of the first season Last of us, Craig Mazin returns the idea to Druckmann. This time, he agreed that it was the best idea to start the series.
Finally, the series pilot begins with that episode from the old talk show. There, two scientists explain the potential danger to humanity. One believes that the problem will be in viruses, and the other believes that it may be some kind of fungus. But in the end, the audience knows that what Dr. Neumann explains will eventually happen in the reality of the film adaptation of the novel. Last of us.
Last of us: an unprecedented success
TV series adaptation Last of us was an unprecedented success. AT hypertext we were surprised by what was achieved, but it also became one of the most successful premieres for HBO. He also broke an excellent record in the aggregator. rotten tomatoes. It received a 99% positive rating from specialized critics and an amazing 96% from viewers.
It also makes the series the highest rated video game adaptation ever. Both by critics and by the public in general. An achievement that no other production based on the game has achieved so far.
Source: Hiper Textual
