Was that something you guys had always talked about from the beginning of working on Season 2?
But we like working with an ending in mind.
We need to know the destination.
Image via HBO
And with that, wheres a good break point?
Okay, we know that chunk, and we know what has to come after that chunk.
That process gave us the seven-episode count.
Image via HBO
So, we know what has to happen after this season.
We know all the major stops and we know the final destination.
Thats something were gonna have to figure out when we get back in the writers room.
Image via HBO
Season 2 finds beautiful ways to update what might very well be the best video game narrative ever told.
Do you feel like you have some flexibility, as far as episode count per season?
HALLEY GROSS: Yeah, its whatever the holistic story of the season requires.
But were not bound to a number.
DRUCKMANN: This is the luxury we have in working for HBO.
Only as much as the story requires.
Image via HBO
How many set pieces should there be?
Only as much as the story requires.
How many episodes should there be per season?
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Only as much as you guys think is appropriate for this chapter of the story.
Every step of the way, there are so concerned with telling the best story possible.
What do you love about this world?
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What did you learn from working on the video games that really translated to TV?
GROSS: For me, it was actually more the reverse because I came from TV.
It was about, what can I bring from my experience in writers rooms into Naughty Dog?
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And then, from there, it was learning an entirely different language.
Ultimately, its about building empathy and challenging the audience to find empathy.
What if they go fast through space or slow through space?
How do you evoke conversation through environmental storytelling?
For me, it was a radical learning curve.
DRUCKMANN: Its incredibly surreal.
As an artist, what more could you ask for?
What do you think people will say after they see the last episode of the season?
GROSS: I hope they say, When is Season 3 coming out?
Dear God, kindly let it be soon.
DRUCKMANN: Thats what I hope, as well.
I think what theyll say is, Okay, that was a lot.
GROSS: Maybe theyll need their own time with Gail.
The Last of Usairs on HBO and is available to stream on Max.
Check out the Season 2 trailer:
