STAFF WRITER – DID CADENA
ORIGINALLY PRINTED ON MARCH 2, 2023
Usually, the transition from a video game to other mediums is a cause for concern, with the majority being unfaithful adaptations that fail to please their fanbases. Many adaptations receive mixed to negative reviews, mainly for their screenplay choices, departures from their source materials, or casting choices. According to Rotten Tomatoes, from 2019-2022, only four video game movies had a fresh 60% rating. When it comes to the box office video game adaptations, only five films had a box office gross of more than $400 million worldwide as of July 2022. So, when the announcement of the Last of Us series happened, it was no surprise that fans were concerned about the show.
The Last of Us game was released in the summer of 2013 and became a surprise hit. It quickly won the Game of the Year Award and received critical acclaim for its narrative, visuals, sound design and score, and characters. It became one of the best games of its generation, selling 1.3 million units within its first week on shelves, and as of April 2018, sold 17 million copies. With numbers like this, not only was it one of the best PlayStation games of all time, but one of the best video games of all time.
In the fall of 2021, when a preview of the first images of the two main characters, Joel and Ellie (played by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey) surfaced, rumors were spread across The Last of Us fandom. There was outrage among fans about the casting, since it differed from fan castings made since the game came out. Many attitudes toward the show seemed valid. When someone takes a beloved project that resonated with fans for nearly 10 years at the time, plus another game that divided the fandom, there was room to be hesitant. At this time, an announcement stated the plan for the first deviation from the game and a show. In the games, there are spores that spread the fungus that can infect players. An early announcement in the show’s production claimed they would deviate from this plot point. Some divergences are needed when transforming the medium of a video game to a show. Still, there was going to be backlash from the fans.
Another major change between the game and the show is the time period in which it takes place. The show starts in 2003, and the game takes place in 2013. The reason for this change might have been for the show to take place in 2023, 10 years after the original release of the game. The time period could have also been changed so it could parallel the SARS outbreak in 2003.
The first episode of the series was released on Jan. 15, 2023, nearly 10 years after the game came and the show started. According to HBO Max, 4.7 million viewers saw the series premiere on the first day, which was the second largest viewership for HBO since 2010. Within 12 days, 22 million more people watched the premiere. The first episode, “Endure and Survive” received a rating of 9.5 out of 10 by IMDb, which is a popular movie and show reviewing website. The first six episodes received high ratings, ranging from nine and up. Each episode brings forth different emotions. Whether it is sadness, happiness, excitement or humor, the show can deliver a myriad of emotions to its audience. So, would the consensus be that the show is doing great? That seems to be the case, with the noise coming from the fans being positive and riveting. Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel, has been on a steady rise since the show came out, even hosting an episode of Saturday Night Live because of his success.
Why has the show been an example of a positive video game adaptation? It could be how the show has many of the original minds behind the game working on the show. Neil Druckmann, one of the main forces behind the game, has been on the project since day one. Druckmann’s creative mind mixed with Craig Mazin, who created the show for television, have worked together to transform the game into a different medium. This collaboration could be the force that drives more video game adaptions to be faithfully made and receive good reviews. The future is bright for video game adaptions into different mediums.