Last week some major news broke when it was confirmed that Naughty Dog’s The Last Of Us would be getting a movie, with Neil Druckmann, Bruce Straley, Evan Wells and Christophe Balestra all taking a role in bringing the game to the big screen. There wasn’t much detail on what the movie cover, with speculation ranging from a straight translation of the game’s story to rumours that an untold adventure from the universe would be the approach. IGN managed to talk to Neil Druckmann at the BAFTAs, where the game won many awards, to clear things up.
The Last Of Us Movie will be translating Joel’s and Ellie’s story for a wider audience, with Neil saying:
“It’s an adaptation of the story of The Last of Us. As far as where we go and how we make it fit into a film, how it takes into account the unique properties of film… We’re not sure yet. We’re only just scratching the surface.”
It’ll be interesting to see how the story makes the jump, and what sacrifices may have to be made in the interest of the time limit films generally have. Can you think of any scenes or scenarios that could be cut from the main game without affecting the story too much? An hard challenge is definitely in front of the production team.
Source: IGN
MikLSP
I’ll stick with slightly sceptical anticipation for now.
The story is wonderful and would undoubtedly make a good film but I think this will be the first “it’s not as good as the book” moment but for a game. Still, that won’t tarnish the game in any way, it will just mean that the film will be judged harshly.
Avenger
Aye indeed, there will be many who compare the film to the game.
Personally when watching the film, I think the game (or any original text) should be figuratively burnt in every single way. There’s no tie between them except for a name, and I’d rather not get bogged with silly questions of ‘faithfulness’ to the original source text. I just plan to enjoy the film as a film.
I’d take bets as to whether the ending will change. I reckon it will change, to suit – should I say – a more ideologically sound resolution. I doubt Hollywood is willing to accept the kind of ending featured in the game.
TSBonyman
I was hoping they would tell a different story, not sure how i feel about this now. All we can do is wait and see how it works out – if it even happens. There have been plenty of games-to-movies announced in the last couple of years but precious little heard about any of them since.
SamBeThyName
I really want this to be good, but I’ll be REALLY surprised if it is.
Kennykazey
Disappointing, I want a new story.
Lyts1985
I’m happy to see the original story translated to film, but I’m sceptical of how well it will translate. I’m not sure you’d feel the same tension as you do playing the story… I’ve a feeling it’ll be tackled as either an action film or an extended episode of The Walking Dead – neither of which idea I’m particularly keen on. That said, I think that’d be the case regardless of whether or not it’s a new story. I have faith in the writers, it’s the film makers that I believe will muck it up!
My main reasoning for being happy with the original story coming to film is purely selfish; it’s down to the fact that this means any new ideas will be saved for a new game instead of being wasted on a potentially mediocre film ;-)
Starman
Sounds like a good idea. The greatness of the story without the mediocre gameplay.
tatoemonkey
I really did not like the last of us as a game it just irritated me so a movie no thanks besides I am still waiting for the uncharted movie