Few could have imagined that, ten years after “The Last of Us” for PlayStation was released by video game company Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment, it would go on to become one of the largest television series of 2023.
The HBO series, which is based on the post-apocalyptic video game, is set in a devastated United States where a fungal epidemic has turned people into mutants that can consume flesh.
Only 2022’s “Game of Thrones” prequel series, “House of the Dragon,” will surpass “The Last of Us” as HBO’s largest launch since 2010.
The show has garnered a devoted fan base that extends well beyond the world of video game enthusiasts. Ahead of the anticipated 2025 premiere of the second season, fans are eager to learn the not-so-secret destinies of the characters.
We have everything you need to participate in Season 2 of “The Last of Us.” You’ll gain all the weapons you need from this comprehensive guide to battle your way through the casting process and avoid being eaten alive.
What is the plot of “The Last of Us”?
The TV show was developed by Neil Druckmann and Emmy winner Craig Mazin, who also created HBO’s limited series “Chernobyl,” and was based on the popular 2013 computer game co-written by Bruce Straley and Druckmann.
Twenty years after the Cordyceps plague transformed a large portion of the American populace into cannibalistic, zombie-like mutants, Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) is a smuggler charged with escorting teenage Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey) through post-apocalyptic America in hopes that she may have the key to finding a treatment for the brain infection.
(Interestingly, both Ramsey and Pascal are former “Game of Thrones” cast members. Ramsey starred in Lena Dunham’s “Catherine Called Birdy,” and Pascal is also the lead of Disney+’s “The Mandalorian.”)
As they go through the desolate terrain with Joel’s brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and his smuggler Tess (Anna Torv), our heroes have to fight cannibals and murderers.
Joel must go to all lengths to save the girl who has grown to be a daughter figure, nevertheless, as he and Ellie get closer to their destination due to memories of the smuggler’s past.
What actors are in the cast?
The cast of Season 1 includes many well-known figures, such as:
- Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal
- Ellie Williams played by Bella Ramsey
- Tommy Miller, played by Gabriel Luna
- Sarah Miller, played by Nico Parker
- Karen, played by Merle Dandridge
- Perry, played by Jeffrey Pierce
- Theresa “Tess” Servopoulos, played by Anna Torv
- Frank Murray Bartlett
- Bill, played by Nick Offerman
- Kathleen Coghlan, played by Melanie Lynskey
- Henry Burrell, played by Lamar Johnson
- As Sam Burrell, Keivonn Woodard
- Riley Abel, played by Storm Reid
- Maria Miller played by Rutina Wesley
During Season 1, Ashley Johnson portrays Ellie’s mother, Anna Williams, and Troy Baker plays James, the second-in-command at a cannibalistic community. Joel and Ellie’s voice actors from the video game also make brief appearances.
In Season 2, which also stars Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson, Young Mazino as Jesse, Isabela Merced as Dina, Danny Ramirez as Manny, Spencer Lord as Owen, and Catherine O’Hara in an unspecified role, Jeffrey Wright, who portrayed Isaac in the video game, will return to the role.
Who is “The Last of Us” casting director?
Season one casting was headed by Emmy-winning CD Victoria Thomas (“Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” “Watchmen,” “Insecure”).
Thomas understood performers would probably arrive to the audition with preconceived notions of who these characters should be because they already had an established following, and that was exactly what she didn’t want to see in the room.
She informed us, “We weren’t looking for an imitation thing here.” “Always be ready and make a decision, but also be willing to change course and adapt when someone suggests trying a small amount of this or a small amount of that.”
After all, as she’s previously stated, she appreciates it when people arrive prepared, but she also creates a friendly space where performers feel free to be who they are. It’s okay if you need an extra minute and you’re not ready.
You’re free to leave and take a few more minutes; I get that,” she remarked. Sometimes you just need to take a break and walk outdoors since your mouth stops working when you enter. However, the atmosphere should be laid-back so that [actors] may give their best audition and feel confident leaving.
How did the stars get cast?
Casting Joel and Ellie in particular required Thomas to locate performers that viewers would “want to return to watch every week,” according to her statement. The team’s first pick for Joel, Pascal, wasn’t initially available, but Thomas “swooped in” when she noticed a gap.
He read it over the course of a weekend and was immediately engrossed. Thus, we truly got lucky there,” she remarked.
Pascal stated that “he wanted the part so badly it literally scared him,” according to the Hollywood Reporter. The actor was worried, though, that the creators of “The Mandalorian” wouldn’t want him to be the star of a program on a competitor network.
He expressed gratitude that they “very generously” gave Pascal the opportunity to accept the position, and the rest is TV history. After their first audition, Ramsey received an offer to play Ellie in just one month.
The young actor was the perfect fit for the team’s description of someone who could be “tough and vulnerable and wise beyond [their] years and also have a potential for violence,” according to Druckmann, who made this explanation in the same interview. He said, “Bella felt so real.” “Ellie seemed to grasp it in real time.” It wasn’t like seeing a performance.
Ramsey was described as “fierce” by Thomas, who also said that “[They] came in and did a great reading.” Thomas also said that “[They] were] the right age, young but mature.”
Ramsey was apprehensive about the position, though. The young actor stated to the Hollywood Reporter, “I really thought that maybe I don’t want to be famous.
As a result, I’m not going to do this show because it will put me in the spotlight and make me more well-known than I want to be.” I prefer to disappear and blend in. Fortunately for fans, they ultimately made the decision to take center stage.
Without its supporting cast, which features Murray Bartlett (Frank) and Nick Offerman (Bill) from Season 1, Episode 3, “Long, Long Time,” of course, “The Last of Us” would not exist. Thomas had to cast two performers who, despite their extreme differences, might have chemistry for this poignant episode.
According to Thomas, “casting chemistry is a difficult thing to quantify.” “Nick and Murray are two exceptional actors who exhibit opposite tendencies in their portrayals of emotions.” Nick is not as much as Murray when it comes to wearing it on his sleeve.
Casting clearly struck the mark, as evidenced by everyone’s sudden desire to stream the episode’s title song by Linda Ronstadt after it aired.
When does Season 2 filming start?
Mazin and Druckmann confirmed that filming for “The Last of Us” Season 2 has already begun in an interview with Deadline that was published on June 5. “The first week of shooting on any new season of any show is difficult by nature because you’re going back to work,” Mazin stated.
You have to give the rust a little shake. This week went about as well as I could have anticipated, and we’re learning new things and working with new actors portraying new characters. On May 15, Pascal further fueled the excitement and expectation by sharing some stills from the new season on Instagram.
Related: How to Get Cast in a TV Series Like “Bad Monkey”: Tips from Casting Directors and Actors
Where can one locate “The Last of Us” casting calls and auditions?
As of right now, “The Last of Us” Season 2 casting calls are closed. However, the show released a casting call with the auditions in February 2022.
To play the part of Sam, the production was seeking Black male talent between the ages of 8 and 14. The filming was done in Calgary. (In the end, Keivonn Woodard, a rookie, got the role.)
In the interim, if you’d want to investigate comparable opportunities, we suggest looking into these currently hiring background and streaming roles. Check out our tutorial on how to give an HBO audition as well. Watch this page for updates on upcoming casting calls.
What are the top audition strategies to help you get a part in “The Last of Us”?
Actors are aware that the industry isn’t always kind. However, Melanie Lynskey, an Emmy nominee for “Yellowjackets” and Kathleen Coghlan on “The Last of Us,” says she would advise her younger self not to let rejection define who you are as an actor as a person.
She said to us, “I think a piece of advice I would give is: You’re OK.” Sometimes I make an effort to go back in time and simply say, ‘I’m sorry.'” You’re fine. People adore you.
In many aspects of my life, including my profession, I simply felt like I wasn’t enough a lot of the time. It saddens me that I didn’t receive many affirmations that I was sufficient.
One thing I’m working hard to instill in my daughter is the knowledge that she is incredibly adored and flawless just the way she is. She also exudes confidence. I told her the other day that she is cute, and she said, “And smart and funny.”
Actor Torv, who plays Tess, advises performers not to let their profession define who they are. She discussed her desire to take a vacation from acting in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, following five seasons as the lead actress of Fox’s supernatural thriller “Fringe.”
“Acting is my passion and my life’s work, but it doesn’t define me,” the actress remarked.
“Regardless of my employment status, I am who I am. I find it astonishing when performers who have worked continuously express fear of losing their jobs because it begs the question, “How are you going to work for the rest of your life?”
Thomas advises going behind the casting table yourself if you truly want an insider’s view on how CDs choose candidates and why some applicants stick out above the others.
Actors learn a lot and are taken aback by being on the other side of the camera and seeing actors arrive when they work in a casting office. They seem to understand more about how to enter a room and that we want you to look well when you do so, in my opinion.
We don’t oppose you,” she informed us. Additionally, they are more aware of the reasons behind selections, which go beyond unsatisfactory auditions. Casting office employees are often shocked by what they discover. I believe it influences [them] the next time they enter a room to try out for a job.
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