Fans of *The Last of Us* are in for a treat as HBO's Season 2 will delve into content originally cut from *The Last of Us Part 2* video game. Showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann shared with Entertainment Weekly that this "pretty brutal" content will be brought to life in the series, including some of the 'Lost Levels' that were partially restored in the PlayStation 5 remaster. These include three early versions of levels that were scrapped: Jackson Party, The Hunt, and Seattle Sewers. While Jackson Party and The Hunt present more serene scenes—with Ellie attending a party and tracking a bleeding boar, respectively—the Seattle Sewers level ramps up the tension, with Ellie being stalked by monsters in the city's tunnels, providing the intense horror fans have come to expect from the franchise.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?
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The inclusion of this cut content promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, with Druckmann expressing excitement over its brutality. He also hinted at the introduction of a "pretty prominent" character, previously only mentioned in the game, drawing parallels to the approach taken with Frank in Season 1.
Season 2 will introduce a slew of new characters to the series, with Kaitlyn Dever playing Abby, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Tati Gabrielle portraying Mel, among others. The casting of Catherine O'Hara in a mysterious role adds an intriguing layer of anticipation. With the premiere of Episode 1 scheduled for April, fans won't have to wait long for answers, although some mysteries may linger as HBO plans to extend *The Last of Us Part 2* narrative beyond a single season. Unlike Season 1, which covered the entire original game, Season 2 will only adapt part of *The Last of Us Part 2*, with co-showrunner Craig Mazin noting the extensive storyline. While Season 3 isn't confirmed yet, Season 2 has been structured with a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes, setting the stage for potential future seasons.