As time has gone on, more and more gamers seem to be getting excited for The Last of Us on HBO. Though there was some controversy initially, as it is a beloved story and gaming adaptations have a rough track record to say the least, things are looking good for the series. Not only can HBO provide the necessary budget for the adaptation to work, but with Neil Druckmann closely involved as well as the mind behind Chernobyl, it is hard not to be optimistic.
Thus far, The Last of Us has received two trailers, both of which do an excellent job of reflecting the tone of the game. Fans are on board with Pedro Pascal as Joel, and following some proper dialogue in the latest trailer, Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie is winning doubters over. However, for existing fans, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the trailers was the song choices, as both come directly from the video games.
‘Alone and Forsaken’ in The Last of Us’ First Trailer
While those unfamiliar with The Last of Us may think that the song choice in the initial trailer is just meant to suit the vibe of the series, that is not the case. The slow country style of “Alone and Forsaken” is certainly a solid fit, but it is also a callback to a moment in the first game. In particular, the track is heard on the radio right before Joel and Ellie are ambushed by a hunter that is pretending to be hurt.
Considering that the first season of The Last of Us is going to be covering the events of the original game, it is highly likely that this scene will play out in live action. Not only will it make for an impressive fight sequence that showcases Joel’s ruthlessness, but the moment is important since it reflects Joel’s expertise on the deceptiveness of other survivors. When the scene happens, this song will likely be playing on the radio just like it does in the game.
‘Take on Me’ in The Last of Us’ Second Trailer
It seems fitting that the second trailer uses a song from the second game, which is exactly what was done by HBO. A decision that put a smile on the face of many franchise fans, “Take on Me” plays over much of the action. While it may seem like an odd choice for such a dark and serious program, it is very much the showrunners winking at fans and highlighting how much care is being put into the video game adaptation.
For those that played The Last of Us 2, hearing “Take on Me” could be enough to make them tear up, as the track is used in one of the best scenes from the sequel. Specifically, Ellie performs it for Dina inside a music store, with the optional sequence reflecting multiple things. Ellie and Dina’s love for each other is one of them, as is the idea that an upbeat song was translated to be much more emotional and serious by people who never heard it in its original form.
Ultimately, these songs can be viewed as messages to the fans that everyone involved is doing their best to remain faithful to the games. While some changes and new characters are a necessity since the story is moving over to a new medium, these tracks are excellent references for those that pick up on them. With Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal’s portrayals of Ellie and Joel right around the corner, fans will not have to wait long to see if the series meets expectations.
The Last of Us premieres on HBO January 15, 2023.