Last year, Sony set up PlayStation Productions, studio that would be focused on adapting their games to TV shows and films. Not long afterward, it was confirmed that a Twisted Metal TV series was in the works, but it seems like before that is out, a much larger project is going to be coming from PlayStation Productions first.
It’s been confirmed via The Hollywood Reporter that PlayStation Productions and Sony Pictures are collaborating to bring a television series adaptation of The Last of Us to HBO. Neil Druckmann – co-creator of The Last of Us – will be serving as writer and executive producer, and he will be joined by Craig Mazin – creator of the HBO limited series Chernobyl – who will be serving in the same capacity alongside him.
“From the first time I sat down to talk with Craig I was equally blown away by his approach to narrative and his love and deep understanding of The Last of Us,” said Druckmann. “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.”
“Neil Druckmann is without question the finest storyteller working in the video game medium, and The Last of Us is his magnum opus,” Mazin said. “Getting a chance to adapt this breathtaking work of art has been a dream of mine for years, and I’m so honored to do it in partnership with Neil.”
Added HBO programming president Casey Bloys: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us to partner with Craig, Neil, Carolyn and the teams at Sony, Naughty Dog and PlayStation to bring the virtual world of this acclaimed game to life.”
Carolyn Strauss (who’s been an executive producer on the likes of Six Feet Under and Game of Thrones) and Evan Wells (Naughty Dog president) will also serve as executive producers. As per Chris Parnell, co-president of Sony Pictures Television Studios, The Last of Us’ adaptation is “the first of many shows we intend to develop with our friends at PlayStation Productions.”