Interview

The Last of Us showrunners explain Joel’s “John Wick” moment in season 1 finale

Published

2 years ago

March 16, 2023

The HBO adaptation of the Naughty Dog video game The Last of Us successfully completed its first season, and it was a roaring success. It broke a number of records on Sunday, when the season finale aired, surpassing the likes of House of The Dragon in terms of overall viewership. It also featured one of the best action sequences of the series so far, when Joel single-handedly destroys the Fireflies.

How The Last of Us showrunners responded to John Wick comparisons

In a recent interview with GQ magazine, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann took turns explaining Joel’s most controversial moment.

Our Apps

Druckmann: We had a lot of conversations. That, in withholding a certain amount of violence, we’re going to really accentuate when it comes through. When Ellie shoots and kills someone, or injures them so badly and Joel has to kill them, it has a lot more impact. When it’s time for Joel to rise to the occasion and show us what he’s made of, to save Ellie, we don’t shy away from it. We show it in all its awfulness and awesomeness.

The Last of Us Episode 9 - Joel Kills Everyone At Firefly Lab To Save Ellie | Season Finale | HBO

Mazin: You mention John Wick and that’s an interesting point because John Wick does live in a slightly heightened world. With this, we’re trying to be a bit more grounded. But when we get to the very end, we do give him his John Wick moment. The one thing that gives him the god mode powerup to not get shot and to shoot everybody else is saving Ellie. Because that’s where we want to see overpowered Joel and we understand that he’s fueled by this love that is beautiful and dark at the same time.

When does The Last of Us Season 2 begin filming?

In a recent interview with Collider, Pascal said, “In the year 2023? Oh, what season are we in now? We’re getting into spring? Yes, there is a chance. Yes.” The first season of The Last of Us took around 18 months to film. So, looking at the time gap, there’s a high probability that the second season won’t be here until 2025.

If you have any important filming news about House of the Dragon, or if you want to collaborate with us or want to write for us, please drop us a message here.

Related Topics:

Up Next

The Last of Us’ original Joel actor was initially against the idea of turning the game into a show

Don't Miss

Why did Marlene never tell Ellie that she would die during the process of making the vaccine in The Last of Us?

Sayantan Choudhary

Sayantan is a keen follower of everything pop culture; from films, shows, anime to video games and latest memes. He started writing professionally for Wiki of Thrones during the 2021 lockdown, and has been developing his writing and editing skills ever since. Sayantan has since worked for several reputed firms, such as Collider and FandomWire, gathering experience and nods from some of the best in the industry. With a growing repertoire amassing renowned websites, Sayantan is your go to guy for all things Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. When he is not hunting for headlines and theories, you can find him engrossed in fantasy shows, conspiracy theories and video games.