HBO Drops First Trailer for ‘The Last Of Us’ Season 2

September 26, 2024, marks “Outbreak Day” in the fictional universe of ‘The Last Of Us,’ a concept originally created by video game developer Naughty Dog. On this day, the deadly cordyceps virus is said to have devastated the world. HBO is commemorating the occasion by releasing the first trailer for the second season of its popular post-apocalyptic series based on the video game of the same name.

The series stars Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, reprising their roles in the new season. The trailer also features Kaitlyn Dever in the role of Abby, a character known from the video game series. Her role in the show appears notably different from the portrayal by Ramsey, drawing some elements from the original video game characterization of Ellie.

According to the trailer, Catherine O'Hara‘s character appears to be some form of therapist or community leader, shown engaging with Joel and providing pivotal advice that echoes through the trailer. “You can’t heal something unless you’re brave enough to say it out loud,” O’Hara’s character remarks, setting the thematic tone for the upcoming season. Her dialogue suggests introspection and acknowledgment, themes critical to the storyline as the season unfolds.

The trailer atmospherically balances moments of tenderness with sequences of violence, a hallmark of the series. Notably, the trailer refrains from divulging significant plot details, a refreshing approach amid the trend of overly revealing trailers.

Fans will recognize several returning characters alongside new faces, including Gabriel Luna as Tommy and Rutina Wesley as Maria. Newcomers include Isabela Merced as Dina, Ellie’s love interest, and Jeffrey Wright in the role of Isaac. The trailer also introduces Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, and Danny Ramirez as Manny.

The use of music from the video game, especially the Pearl Jam song “Future Days,” plays a significant role in the trailer, intertwining the emotional narratives as it did in ‘The Last Of Us Part II’ video game. Such musical elements provide familiar emotional undertones for fans of the game series.

‘The Last Of Us’ Season 2 is set to premiere in 2025, much to the anticipation of its extensive fan base. While no specific release date has been confirmed, the showrunners have indicated that the new season will be shorter, encompassing seven episodes versus the previous season’s count. This has sparked discussions among fans about the pacing and adaptation of the second game’s extensive narrative into the television format.