To make this happen, HBO is putting its money where its mouth is. HBO’s The Last of Us’ production costs are reportedly higher than the first five seasons of Game of Thrones. It’s not exactly higher than House of the Dragon, but it’s still a pretty insane amount. While fans are approaching the adaptation news of the PlayStation-exclusive game with cautious optimism, HBO isn’t scared to spend on trustworthy and proven talent. With the show being co-written and co-produced by The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann, along with the contributions from Chernobyl’s Craig Mazin, it sure sounds like a solid strategy. A recent article from The New Yorker reported that production costs have gone “upward of a hundred million dollars”, which is telling of HBO’s confidence in this project. Considering reports from TV Guide put the production costs of each installment of the fifth Game of Thrones run in the $6 to $8 million range, HBO is spending nearly double for nine episodes. Mazin shares similar confidence in the vision claiming the strong narrative from the source material will set this video game adaptation apart from other game-inspired properties: Having Neil Druckmann on board, the original Naughty Dog game creator, ensures the adaptation will stay its course. And while both contributors have stated that the show will deviate from the game in some aspects, jaw-dropping moments cut from the game will be included. The game has built a passionate following over the last 10 years, that will be keen to tune in, despite having a sour taste in their mouths from the second installment of the game.
