'The Last Of Us' HBO Series Announced: What We Know About Video Game Adaptation

In 2013, Sony released the video game "The Last of Us," which follows the story of survivor Joel and Ellie as they traverse the post-apocalyptic U.S. during a pandemic. Throughout the years, the popular video game has won several awards and sold over 17 million copies, but now the franchise will obtain an entirely new audience due to the fact that it's being turned into an HBO series.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Craig Mazin, who created the acclaimed limited series "Chernobyl," is once again partnering with HBO to begin working on the upcoming adaptation. Additionally, Neil Druckmann, who served as writer and creative director of the game, will also be lending his talents to the writing and directing the episodes.

Druckmann further discussed his thoughts in a statement: "With Chernobyl, Craig and HBO created a tense, harrowing, emotional masterpiece. I couldn’t think of better partners to bring the story of 'The Last of Us to life as a television show."

As stated by the publication, the television series will focus on the events of the 2013 game, but may also incorporate additional content. At this time, it remains unclear whether or not the series will include material from the upcoming sequel, "The Last of Us Part, II," which will be released on May 29.

When speaking about the project in a press release, HBO programming president Casey Bloys stated that it was "an incredibly exciting opportunity" for them to work with the aforementioned talents, along with the teams at Sony, Naughty Dog and PlayStation.

The news was also shared on the television network's official Twitter account as well, which can be seen below.

Following the announcement, Chris Parnell, co-president of Sony Pictures Television Studios, also revealed that this will not be the only time that a video game series transitions to a new format.

"This is the first of many shows we intend to develop with our friends at PlayStation Productions," he stated.

At this time, it remains to be seen who will join the cast and when it will officially be released.