HBO’s The Last of Us returned this weekend with the long-anticipated premiere of its second season, continuing the critically acclaimed adaptation of the Naughty Dog video game franchise. After a polarising start to the month with A Minecraft Movie on the big screen, television once again proves to be a more reliable medium for video game adaptations.
With Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey reprising their lead roles, The Last of Us season 2 picks up five years after the events of season 1, diving deeper into the emotional and physical toll of survival in a world decimated by a fungal pandemic.
Back to Jackson — But in a New Province
While season 1 was famously filmed across Alberta, Canada, production for season 2 shifted primarily to British Columbia. The fictional safe haven of Jackson, Wyoming — previously recreated in Calgary — was reconstructed in the small town of Britannia Beach, north of Vancouver. The new locale offered a more remote, wintry backdrop to depict the fortified community where Joel and Ellie attempt to live normal lives.
Additional Jackson scenes were filmed in the cities of Mission, Fort Langley, and Langley, known for their cost-effectiveness and frequent use in Hallmark movies.
War-Torn Seattle Recreated in Vancouver
One of the most striking transformations of the new season comes in the form of Vancouver, which doubles for a devastated Seattle, now a battlefield between the militant Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the stealthy, cult-like Seraphites. Downtown Eastside, Chinatown, Stanley Park, and Gastown were all transformed into dystopian zones for key action sequences. The iconic Orpheum Theatre and Vancouver Aquarium also make appearances.
Filming in Vancouver occurred through May 2024, with practical sets, prop military vehicles, and armed actors bringing the game’s intense conflicts to life.
Star-Studded Horseback Scenes in Nanaimo
The Vancouver Island city of Nanaimo provided the setting for horseback patrol sequences featuring Ellie (Ramsey) and newcomer Dina (Isabela Merced). These scenes, meant to represent Seattle’s Capitol Hill and the Serevana Hotel, were a fan-favorite part of The Last of Us Part II video game. Observant fans even identified the horse as “Shimmer,” a movie veteran that also appeared in Jurassic World Dominion.
Back to Alberta for the Snow
Despite the move west, Alberta wasn’t left behind entirely. Exshaw, a hamlet known for its mountain views, was chosen for snow-covered sequences shot along Highway 1A, where snow was trucked in to ensure the desired aesthetic. The production also returned briefly to Calgary, reaffirming the city’s legacy as a go-to destination for major TV and film productions.
New Faces Join Familiar Survivors
The returning cast includes Pascal and Ramsey alongside Gabriel Luna (Tommy) and Rutina Wesley (Maria). New additions this season include:
- Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, a conflicted soldier central to the game’s most controversial storyline.
- Isabela Merced as Dina, Ellie’s romantic interest.
- Catherine O’Hara as Gail, Joel’s therapist.
- Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, Gail’s husband.
- Young Mazino as Jesse, a community leader.
- Jeffrey Wright, reprising his game role as Isaac Dixon, a fearsome WLF commander.
Themes of Love, Loss, and Loyalty
According to showrunner Craig Mazin, this season explores the growing tribalism that emerges in post-collapse societies. “Tribalism is a love among a few or maybe many,” Mazin explained. “For Jackson, their tribe is the community. It’s everything inside the wall.”
As Ellie begins to discover her identity and independence, and Joel continues to wrestle with past actions, season 2 promises more than just intense combat — it aims to delve into what it means to survive emotionally.
When and Where to Watch
The Last of Us season 2 will consist of seven episodes, airing weekly on HBO and Max in the United States and Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK. The premiere aired on April 13 at 9pm ET/PT in the US and 2am BST on April 14 in the UK.
With its breathtaking visuals, deeply human themes, and a bold narrative arc ahead, The Last of Us season 2 is poised to be one of the year’s most talked-about TV events.