HBO’s The Last of Us Introduces ASL Versions for Deaf Viewers Before Season 2!

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Summary

  • HBO’s The Last of Us series will have an ASL version for both seasons, enhancing accessibility for deaf viewers.
  • The addition of ASL allows deaf viewers to fully experience the show in their first language, providing a clearer message.
  • ASL versions of The Last of Us will debut on March 31 and April 13 for seasons one and two, respectively, on HBO Max.

The upcoming second season of HBO’s “The Last of Us” is fast approaching, leaving fans just a few weeks to wait before they can find out how Joel and Ellie’s relationship develops following the emotional cliffhanger at the end of the first season. Prior to the airing of season 2, HBO has shared an intriguing update about accessibility features for both seasons of the popular post-apocalyptic drama series featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. This enhancement will be available when the show resumes next month.

As a passionate cinephile and devoted fan of Naughty Dog’s gaming empire, I was thrilled to catch a glimpse of what awaits us in the upcoming season 2 of The Last of Us. In a fresh trailer, we witnessed the ominous introduction of airborne spores that promise to escalate the series’ chaotic narrative. While these spores were pivotal in both the first and second games, their presence now promises to place our beloved characters in even more precarious predicaments.

The chilling tendrils that sprout from the mouths of infected individuals from season one appear set to remain a central element, but this time around, the fungus has upped the ante, seeking to ensnare even more of the show’s unaware victims. The upcoming season of The Last of Us seems poised to deliver on the promise made by The Last of Us Part 2 game, with its extensive range of over 60 accessibility settings designed to cater to players with fine motor and hearing difficulties. In keeping with this commitment, it appears that the TV show is also making a concerted effort to ensure its deaf viewers are included in the experience.

HBO’s The Last of Us Will Get an ASL Version on Max

The first season of the television show “The Last of Us,” as reported by IndieWire, is receiving an inclusive makeover with the incorporation of American Sign Language (ASL) settings. Beginning from its premiere on April 13 and continuing throughout the second season that debuts next month, HBO will broadcast not only the first season but also subsequent seasons in ASL. This means that viewers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can now follow the show more easily, just in time for its upcoming return. Daniel Durant, known for his role in the Academy Award-winning film “CODA,” will be providing ASL interpretations for the first season. During the seven episodes of season 2, both Durant and accessibility advocate Leila Hanaumi will use ASL to make the series more accessible to the deaf community.

Using American Sign Language (ASL) in HBO’s “The Last of Us” offers a unique opportunity for a deeper and more immersive experience for deaf viewers. Instead of traditional subtitles, this approach allows the story to be more accessible and understandable to them using their primary language of ASL. This way, viewers who may not have English as their first language can enjoy the show more comfortably in their preferred visual language.

Relying solely on captions can be limiting since they follow an English grammar structure. The idea of incorporating a Deaf interpreter enhances clarity by offering a broader range of ideas and meanings. As Deaf individuals, we can then grasp the intended message using our own language, visually displayed on the screen. This makes communication more accessible and enriches our experience.” (signed by Durant through ASL)

In an exceptional move, this streaming platform has made Max’s day by being the first to provide American Sign Language (ASL) alongside new episodes of a popular series, along with ASL versions of movies like “Barbie” directed by Greta Gerwig, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” In these ASL adaptations, Durant’s performances are cleverly integrated into the episodes. He wears a black shirt against a green screen, allowing him to blend seamlessly with the background, reducing distractions from the on-screen action.

On March 31, you can watch the American Sign Language (ASL) version of The Last of Us Season One as a separate release on Max. Then, starting April 13, you’ll have access to The Last of Us Season Two.

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2025-03-20 15:44