The Last of Us Showrunner Just Defended a Massive Timeline Mistake with a Shocking Reason

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Summary

  • Season 2 of The Last of Us on HBO features 5.3 million viewers, a 13% increase from Season 1.
  • Showrunner Craig Mazin says that Pearl Jam’s ‘Future Days’ is crucial to Ellie and Joel’s story.
  • Despite timeline shifts in the series, fans can expect iconic elements like ‘Future Days’ to stay.

HBO’s “The Last of Us” Season 2 has arrived in 2025, bringing to life the sequel of its popular second game within the franchise. Fans are excitedly watching as the story unfolds and explores further the tense relationship between Ellie and Joel. With the series now progressing into the future, showrunner Craig Mazin has shed some light on how a much-discussed song, ‘Future Days’, will be incorporated. The first season of “The Last of Us” was a massive success for the streaming network, with expectations high that the sequel will achieve similar acclaim. So far, Season 2 has garnered 5.3 million viewers with its premiere, representing a 13% increase from the viewership of Season 1’s debut.

As a die-hard fan of The Last of Us, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming series adaptation, yet recognize that while it will largely adhere to the game’s overarching storylines, it won’t strictly follow the chronology of the second part. In season one, we stayed true to the original game, but in season two, there might be some shuffling around events. Rest assured, the action remains as intense as ever, with fresh characters like therapist Gail, portrayed by Catherine O’Hara, and Ellie’s former partner Kat joining the fray. Some fans have expressed concerns about potential changes that could alter season 2’s narrative to the point of diminishing its initial charm. However, one cherished aspect from the sequel is unlikely to vanish entirely from the show, despite seeming somewhat incongruous in this context.

The Last of Us Showrunner Talks About Future Days’ Influence in Season 2

On the official HBO podcast for ‘The Last of Us’, creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann explained that they felt it was crucial to incorporate Pearl Jam’s ‘Future Days’ in some form during Season 2, as its significance is deeply tied to Joel and Ellie’s relationship. In ‘The Last of Us Part 2’, this poignant song plays a significant role in their lives, with its powerful and emotional lyrics resonating throughout the storyline. Although the song was not released until 2013, and the outbreak day for ‘The Last of Us’ game was in 2003, Mazin expressed his intention to address potential criticism about this discrepancy, anticipating that it might spark much discussion.

Neil and I engaged in a meaningful discussion and reached this understanding: We didn’t care much because the song plays a crucial role in the narrative. Thematically, it’s significant as Joel is grappling with his future alongside Ellie, who is trying to establish her identity beyond being someone’s child. Their journey into the future, fast-forwarded five years, brings them to Future Days. Interestingly, their past remains a force that continues to tether them, preventing complete freedom and progress.

In addition to the profound significance that “Future Days” by Pearl Jam holds for Joel and Ellie’s harrowing odyssey in the show, fans of the franchise would also probably take notice if this song wasn’t referenced in some manner during Season 2. While it remains uncertain whether the creators will have Joel strumming the song on his guitar for Ellie or employ another method to incorporate it, there’s a strong possibility that Eddie Vedder himself might make an appearance as a guest star. From the statements made by Mazin and Druckmann, it appears they are aware of the song’s importance and may include it in some way.

The Last of Us Season 2 will premiere on HBO at 9 pm EST every Sunday until May 25.

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2025-04-17 17:35