Neil Druckmann, the co-showrunner of HBO’s acclaimed adaptation of “The Last of Us,” has stepped down from his role, a decision he did not take lightly. Druckmann, who is also the head of PlayStation’s Naughty Dog video game studio, shared that he has achieved the ambitious goal he set for himself when adapting his beloved video game franchise for television. In a recent interview with Variety, he articulated his desire to broaden the audience for “The Last of Us,” aiming to captivate viewers who may never engage with video games.
"Our goals for the show — I had multiple goals, some of them were selfish. I wanted to elevate ‘The Last of Us’ beyond the people that have played the game,” Druckmann explained. “I felt like that story could find a bigger audience for people that will never play video games.” His vision was to have viewers experience the show without realizing it was based on a video game, creating a bridge between the gaming and television worlds.
Druckmann announced his departure as co-showrunner in July, following the successful conclusion of the show’s second season and its renewal for a third season. The season finale attracted an impressive 3.7 million viewers, surpassing the average viewership of its first season. This Sunday, the series is poised to compete for several Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, as well as individual nominations for Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
“We have this data: People have watched the show and have come back and bought a PlayStation or bought it on PC and played ‘The Last of Us,’” Druckmann noted. This shift has provided a new gateway for gaming enthusiasts, demonstrating the impact of the series beyond the screen.
In stepping back, Druckmann is not moving on to another job; instead, he is returning to his full-time role at Naughty Dog, where he is currently directing the studio’s next major game, titled “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.” He emphasized that while he enjoyed his tenure on the show, his primary focus remains on video game development.
“Naughty Dog is bigger than any one person,” he remarked. “There’s been a lot of big personalities that have come through Naughty Dog.” During his absence, several talented individuals, including Matthew Gallant and Claire Carré, stepped up to ensure the studio continued to thrive.
As the Emmy Awards approach, Druckmann expressed excitement about reconnecting with colleagues and celebrating their hard work. “I’m just excited to see a bunch of people I haven’t seen in a while,” he shared. Comparing the awards scene for games to that of television, he noted, “Games are more low-key, a little nerdier, more my speed.”
Looking ahead, Druckmann will maintain a high-level involvement in the upcoming third season of “The Last of Us,” especially in ensuring it remains faithful to the source material. “My hope for Season 3 is to make sure it’s as deeply faithful as Season 1 was,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the show's integrity.
Regarding “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet,” Druckmann teased that the game is in full production. “It’s the most ambitious game we’ve ever made,” he asserted, hinting at groundbreaking gameplay elements that will redefine the gaming experience. He also confirmed that Troy Baker will be part of the cast, marking a reunion after several years.
As for potential adaptations of “Intergalactic” into film or television, Druckmann mentioned that discussions are ongoing. However, he stressed that the primary focus remains on developing a fantastic video game experience before considering any adaptations.
In conclusion, while Neil Druckmann steps away from his role as co-showrunner on HBO’s “The Last of Us,” his passion for storytelling in video games continues to flourish at Naughty Dog. With “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet” on the horizon, fans can expect groundbreaking developments in the gaming landscape.
