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HBO's The Last of Us has swiftly risen through the ranks to become one of the network's most beloved series, earning a vast and devoted fanbase anxiously anticipating the arrival of its second season.
The Plan Before The Storm
Before the recent writers' strike upended Hollywood, HBO's plans were crystal clear, as detailed by HBO executive Francesca Orsi.
Speaking to Deadline, she explained that a sequel to the popular video game series was slated for a 2025 release. However, the full extent of how the strike will impact this timeline is not yet known. She also teased that fans could look forward to a flurry of new characters in the coming season, adding to the rich, post-apocalyptic world of the series.
Following the narrative thread of the original game, the second season is expected to dive into the events of The Last of Us Part II, with a central focus on the character Abby. Breaking with tradition, Orsi confirmed that the new season will be shot in Vancouver, shifting from Calgary where the first season was filmed.
The Impact of The Writers' Strike
The writers' strike has already had profound effects on the entertainment industry, delaying several high-profile projects. Production on Marvel's Blade and the fifth season of Stranger Things has been temporarily halted, while other series like House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power are soldiering on without writers on set.
Expressing cautious optimism, Orsi remarked, “While everything at this moment is pencils down, I’m hopeful that we can come to terms sooner than later. Otherwise we will have to assess what is the end of the 24 schedule, what are the shows that are going to be delivered for 2025.
We were looking at The Last Of Us for some time in 2025”. The current strike is the first of its kind since the notorious strike of 2007-2008. Since May 2nd, screenwriters have congregated outside major studios like Disney, WB Discovery, and Netflix, championing improved wages, superior working conditions, and protection against the increasing use of artificial intelligence in script writing.
The industry remains on tenterhooks, awaiting the resolution of this impactful strike and the fate of beloved series like The Last of Us.