Possible The Last of Us story spoilers below!The Last of Us co-creator Neil Druckmann promises that the highly-anticipated HBO adaptation will detail the origin of the Hunters. The upcoming horror drama is based on the critically-acclaimed PlayStation 3 video game of the same name. Pedro Pascal stars as Joel, a hardened survivor who is tasked with escorting Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across a post-apocalyptic zombie-infested United States to the militant revolutionary group known as the Fireflies. There, the faction hopes to use Ellie's rare natural immunity to the fungal infection plaguing the planet to synthesize a vaccine to save the world.
In an interview with IGN, Druckmann reveals that the Last of Us television show will delve into the backstory of the vicious Hunter group. While breaking down how the upcoming show will expand the original video game's beloved story, the creator explains that the television medium allowed the creative team the real estate to expand on certain elements that were limited in the game, such as the Hunters. Read what Druckmann says below:
For example, the Hunters, you get to see more of like, where did they come from? Why did they bring down this quarantine zone? Who is their leader? Those are all things we get to see in the show.
How The Last Of Us Show Can Expand The Hunters
In the original The Last of Us video game, Joel and Ellie encountered a violent survivor group known as the Hunters while attempting to cross Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While trying to navigate a direct path through the city, the Hunters ambushed the duo's truck, forcing Joel to fight their way out. Through notes and environmental clues, players learned that the Hunters were once citizens of the local Federal Disaster Response Agency (FEDRA) quarantine zone that revolted against the military occupation. Since taking over, the group hunts down any outcasts and travelers, taking whatever their victims had.
The Last of Us series' promotional images and trailers reveal that the Hunters will make their transition to the small screen, but will include several key changes. The show's version of the Hunters now occupy a completely different city with Kansas City replacing the group's home of Pittsburgh. Also, Melanie Lynskey was cast as Kathleen, the leader of brutal group and a character that was developed specifically for HBO's The Last of Us. Her character can take viewers directly into the Hunters' operation, revealing more about how the group works. Leaked set images and videos revealed that several key Hunter scenes were recreated from the original game, but a completely new riot set piece may depict a flashback of the Hunter revolution.
Adapting The Last of Us for television offers Druckmann a unique chance to expand on the story he had originally written for the video game. The creator previously teased that cut story elements have been reinserted into the narrative, and new mind-blowing additions and changes were written specifically for the adaptation. As The Last of Us' premiere nears, audiences can see how Druckmann and co-creator Craig Mazin brought the Hunters to life.
Source: IGN