By HBO’s series adaptation of Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us would seem to be pulling no punches. No doubt there’s a stigma surrounding screen adaptations of video games, and with a title as prestigious as Last of Us, the producers need to get things right. Hell hath no fury like a gamer scorned… That in mind, they’re bringing in some top-tier talent to add to the already-strong creative team.
Johan Renck previously directed episodes of Breaking Bad and (the very-underrated) Halt and Catch Fire for AMC, but is now perhaps best known for directing all five episodes of HBO miniseries Chernobyl last year.
Speaking with Discussing Film, Renck reflected on his success while also confirming that he would be joining Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin on the upcoming Last of Us series, joining as an executive producer and director for “at least the pilot.” Renck spoke of how The Last of Us being an ongoing series from HBO, it isn’t exactly something he can commit to directing in its entirety.
As previously confirmed, Mazin will be co-writing the series with Naughty Dog Vice President and writer/director of The Last of Us and its upcoming sequel, Neil Druckmann.
The Last of Us is coming from Sony Pictures Television and PlayStation Productions for HBO. No date has been set.
Johan Renck on the Success of ‘Chernobyl’ & the Status of HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ – Exclusive Interview [Discussing Film]