‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 will show both Ellie and Abby’s perspectives, says Neil Druckmann-OxBig News Network

Kaitlyn Dever and Bella Ramsey, the actors who play Abby and Ellie, arrive at the season two premiere of “The Last of Us” on Monday, March 24, 2025, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
| Photo Credit: JORDAN STRAUSS

Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the sensational The Last of Us game, has spoken about the internet-breaking creative choice employed for the second season of HBO’s series adaptation. The returning season, like in the original game, will tell the story from both Ellie and Abby’s perspectives, adding the adaptation a breathtaking layer of authenticity.

Druckmann, who serves as writer-director and executive producer of the show, said in a statement, “We were dogmatic about point of view in the game… in the series, we made changes so you get to experience both POVs. Fans of the game are going to fall in love with the live-action adaptations of some of their favorite moments, and really appreciate extra explorations that actually fill in some of the gaps that are in the game.”

On the deeply personal nature of the adaptation:

The Last of Us Season 1 became a global hit thanks to how closely the adaptation drew from the game and how deeply personal it felt. Speaking about the same, Druckmann said, “I’ve been with this story for roughly seven years, on and off. I’m intimately familiar with every corner of it, every character, every costume, every set, every action sequence. The stuff we brought [from the game into the series] is extremely faithful, to the point where I would often get emotional walking onto a set.”

What is also sure to blow the minds of the fans is the recreation of the community of Jackson. Druckmann said that the team put enormous effort into lovingly recreating the details of the community. ““We spent an enormous amount of effort and money to build the city of Jackson, because it’s a character in the story,” Druckmann said

“The big questions were: What happens when communities are at odds with each other, and how do you prioritize whom you save and whom you sacrifice for the people you love?” he added.

(L-R) Danny Ramirez, Spencer Lord, Halley Wegryn Gross, Ariela Barer, Gabriel Luna, Neil Druckmann, Kaitlyn Dever, Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Young Mazino, Tati Gabrielle, Craig Mazin, Isabela Merced, Jeffrey Wright and Rutina Wesley attend the Los Angeles premiere of the HBO original series “The Last of Us” Season 2 at TCL Chinese Theater on March 24, 2025 in Hollywood, California.
| Photo Credit:
MATT WINKELMEYER

Should you play the game before watching the series?

Of course! It’s the question that has split the community on the internet. Druckmann’s answer should put that debate to rest: “You don’t have to play the game to enjoy the show; you don’t have to watch the show to enjoy the game. But they’re both richer for it because they inform each other.”

Headlined by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us made a record-shattering debut on HBO in 2023. The show became HBO’s most-watched debut season ever and earned eight Emmy nominations, including for Best Drama Series and performances by Pascal and Ramsey.

Set 20 years after the destruction of modern civilisation, the story follows Joel (Pascal), a hardened survivor hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie (Ramsey) out of an oppressive quarantine zone. The sophomore chapter is set five years after the events of the first season. “Joel and Ellie are drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind,” reads the official logline.

The upcoming season will introduce several favorite characters from the The Last of Us video game sequel, including Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, Dina (Isabela Merced), and Jesse (Young Mazino). Other new cast members include Ariela Barer as Mel, Spencer Lord as Owen, and Jeffrey Wright in the role of Isaac. Catherine O’Hara is also set to make a striking appearance as a therapist-like figure who prompts Joel to confront his deepest fears.

The Last of Us Season 2 premieres on JioHotstar on April 14. The show will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.