Considered one of the best video game adaptations for television by some specialists, HBO’s The Last of Us also conquered many fans who had never played the games that inspired the audiovisual production. The first season of the series ended this Sunday (12) and was shown earlier by HBO Max so as not to compete with the 2023 Oscars.
In an interview with CNN actor Gabriel Luna, who played Tommy, brother of Joel (Pedro Pascal), protagonist of the production, which he said he believed was a key point for the series to have conquered a wider audience.
“It’s exciting when you see the action and the monsters, because that’s not what it’s about. (…) Our show is about people, about love, about protecting each other, about survival, about adventure. And that’s why people watch television. That’s the kind of story that captivates people,” Luna explained to CNN .
The series “pierced the bubble” even showing less action and the infected or, as many prefer, zombies or monsters, as the actor called it.
“But, the monsters are right there, at the edge of the light, waiting. It’s always more exciting to have them conquer this unknown, this ever-present threat that could, at any moment, take away the people you love,” she added.
Among the reasons why “The Last of Us” broke the barrier that separates fans of the game and the public in general was the way the series deepened themes such as sexuality, with LGBTQIA+ characters trying to tell the stories of their relationships, the relationship between brothers, like the one between Joel and Tommy. Previously, the producers had already stated that the series is a story about love.
“When you focus on the characters and the love they have for each other, the fight for survival and their journey with the invading threat…. It’s very much why we’ve been able to build a fan base that isn’t just people who are loyal to the games,” said the actor.
Luna talked to CNN last Wednesday (8) and said what he thought about the audience’s expectations for the last episode.
“It’s going to be very similar to the reaction when the game came out and people managed to get to the end of it and survive that far, only to be faced with a decision that will have two sides,” he said about the end of the first season.
Expectation for the second season
Luna also spoke about the expectation for his character in the next season, which was confirmed by HBO Max, and said that he was already prepared to play him for this second season as soon as he was cast.
“Parts one and two are a single story for me, so I’m really looking forward to taking Tommy further on this roller coaster ride.”
As the characters of “The Last of Us” are always on the verge of experiencing a tragedy “just around the corner”, given the dystopian world they live in, Luna said he is hopeful about the new phase that his character must go through.
“It’s going to be exciting to see the smiling, fun loving Tommy that everyone cares about… to see him transform into the other side of who he is.”
Message to Brazil
Gabriel Luna is an actor, producer, director and musician from Texas, United States. Of the works he did are the ghost rider in the series “Agents of SHIELD” and the villain Rev-9 in the movie “Terminator” (2019).
Soon I started the conversation with CNN , Luna proved to be a fan of a Brazilian. When she saw the reporter’s name, she said she remembered former Brazilian basketball player Tiago Splitter, who played for the San Antonio Spurs, of the NBA, the actor’s team.
At the end of the interview, Luna affectionately thanked the Brazilian fans with a smile and a typical “thank you”.
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
