Critically acclaimed PlayStation 3 video game The Last of Us is getting the big screen treatment, with Screen Gems agreeing to distribute a live-action version of the already extremely cinematic story. Neil Druckmann, the creative director for the game, will write the script on behalf of developers Naughty Dog.
They’re also responsible for the Uncharted series of games, and Horrible Bosses helmer Seth Gordon is currently attached to direct a movie based on that franchise.
The Last of Us will be produced by Naughty Dog co-presidents Evan Wells and Christophe Balestra, along with Druckmann and game director Bruce Straley. Interestingly, Sam Raimi is also set to produce the adaptation through his Ghost House Pictures banner. That makes sense due to the horror elements of the game that this movie is based on.
The Last of Us follows survivors Joel and Ellie on their journey through a radically transformed world, 20 years after an infectious virus ravages humanity. Brought together by chance, these two people must make life-altering decisions in order to survive and face terrifying challenges along the way. It’s unknown just how close of an adaptation this will be.
“Screen Gems’ Brian Dukes and Eric Ling brought this game to my attention, insisting we go after it,” Screen Gems president Clint Culpepper said in a statement released today. “When I saw the quality of the storytelling, I knew the audience for this project was far greater than just the gaming community and that Neil Druckmann must write the screenplay. I am thrilled that Sony Computer Entertainment America’s Riley Russell was able to get me in front of Neil and Evan Wells to plead my case. And Sam and his team at Ghost House round out the perfect team to help realize Neil’s vision.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
