EXCLUSIVE: Neil Druckmann on emotional set moments and bold story choices in The Last of Us Season 2: “Fans of the game are going to fall in love with the live-action”-wps

As The Last of Us Season 2 prepares for its premiere on JioHotstar on April 14, expectations are high among fans and newcomers alike. The follow-up to the critically acclaimed first season takes a bold step forward, adapting the complex and emotionally charged narrative of The Last of Us Part II video game — a move that promises to expand the show’s thematic depth while exploring challenging new dynamics.

EXCLUSIVE: Neil Druckmann on emotional set moments and bold story choices in The Last of Us Season 2: “Fans of the game are going to fall in love with the live-action”

In an exclusive conversation, Neil Druckmann — co-creator, executive producer, writer, and director — reflected on the personal connection he shares with the material and the process of adapting it for television. “I’ve been with this story for roughly seven years, on and off. I’m intimately familiar with every corner of it, every character, every costume, every set, every action sequence,” Druckmann shared and went on, “The stuff we brought [from the game into the series] is extremely faithful, to the point where I would often get emotional walking onto a set.”

Among the show’s most significant physical achievements is the recreation of Jackson, the self-sustaining community that serves as a critical setting in the new season. “We spent an enormous amount of effort and money to build the city of Jackson, because it’s a character in the story,” he explained. But Druckmann emphasized that the emotional core of the show remains paramount. “The big questions were: What happens when communities are at odds with each other, and how do you prioritize whom you save and whom you sacrifice for the people you love?”, Neil added.

One of the defining features of The Last of Us Part II was its dual perspective — allowing players to experience the narrative from both Ellie’s and Abby’s points of view. Druckmann confirmed that this element was carefully adapted for television. “We were dogmatic about point of view in the game… in the series, we made changes so you get to experience both POVs,” he said and continued, “Fans of the game are going to fall in love with the live-action adaptations of some of their favorite moments, and really appreciate extra explorations that actually fill in some of the gaps that are in the game.”

For viewers unfamiliar with the video game, Druckmann reassured that the series can stand alone. “You don’t have to play the game to enjoy the show; you don’t have to watch the show to enjoy the game. But they’re both richer for it because they inform each other,” he concluded.

The Last of Us Season 2 streams from April 14 on JioHotstar, available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.

Also Read: The Last of Us Season 2 premieres on April 14, streaming on JioHotstar in India