HBO has announced the castings for both Joel and Ellie for the HBO adaptation of Naughty Dog’s action-adventure video gamesThe Last of Us. Just yesterday, star of the hit Disney+ showThe Mandalorian, Pedro Pascal was announced to be playing Joel. Pascal recently also appeared as Maxwell Lord in DC’sWonder Woman 1984, and also played the role of Oberyn Martell inGame of Thrones.
Now, the talented voice actor behind Joel inThe Last of Usvideo game titles, Troy Baker, has given his support to Pascal’s casting. In an Instagram post, Baker referencesThe Mandalorian, writing “This IS the way.” Also adding that he can’t wait to see a side of Joel he never knew.
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With one of the most talented voice actors supporting him, Pascal has big shoes to fill and there may not be anyone better to fill them.Pascal’s performance inThe Mandalorianhas been highly praised, so he will look to transfer his acting skills to a complicated character in the middle of apocalyptic America.
Troy Baker also voiced his support for the other leading role, which announced shortly before Pascal’s casting for Joel. Ellie will be played by Bella Ramsey, who played the young noblewoman Lyanna Mormont inGame of Thronesand is the voice behind the title character in the Netflix showHilda. In Baker’s post dedicated to her casting, he writes, “Can’t wait to see you kick *ss and throw bricks” referencing one of the many enjoyablecombat actions inThe Last of Usvideo games.
Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmannalso chimed in to the casting choices, voicing his support for both Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal. Neil Druckmann will also have a hand in the HBO adaptation along with Russian filmmaker Kantemir Balagov. With such a talented pool of names working onThe Last of Us, the show will hopefully live up to fans' love of the video game series.
The latest entry of the video game series,The Last of Us 2won more Game of the Year awards than any other game in history.The Last of Us 2beat out the previous record holder,The Witcher 3: Wild Huntby one Game of the Year award.The Witcherhas also been adapted by Netflix, with its second season delayed due to COVID-19, but an anime film of the title is said to be in development by Netflix scheduled for 2021.
