The Last of Us cast & creators on violence & shoot-delaying laughs | Creator to Creator [Part 2]

In Part 2 of Creator to Creator, Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey and The Last of Us creators continue their conversation around violence, character development, humor and more.
They discuss some of the most important scenes in the show through episode 8, and how laughter helped them overcome some of the anxiety they were feeling on set. Director Neil Druckmann also shares his experience working on both the game and the show - saying that no matter how HBO's The Last of Us is received, he’s extremely proud of the outcome.
Featuring: Pedro Pascal (‘Joel’), Bella Ramsey (‘Ellie’), Neil Druckmann (Co-President of Naughty Dog, Writer, Executive Producer), Craig Mazin (Creator, Writer, Executive Producer), and Asad Qizilbash (Head of PlayStation Productions).
As a creative entertainment company, Sony celebrates creators who think differently, push boundaries, and ultimately inspire fans through their work. We are proud to be a platform for visionaries.
#Sony

[@OdeOneEleven]

I'm gonna need a "The Laughs of Us" blooper reel when the series is over. Thanks in advance.

[@spacechampi0n]

that's brilliant because it's like a pun Ellie would say.

[@obikinwinchester6235]

Same

[@trib22]

Yes. Also, excellent dad joke.

[@johannfunn6962]

Amazing name omg

[@myahitt1247]

THE LAUGHS OF US😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@d43imoet]

The fact that Bella shot the last scene before shooting the David scene is just a testament of how INCREDIBLE her acting is!!! Gosh even Pedro was shocked 😮

[@Mr35Cap]

She’s so trash at acting she’s a mpc

[@peace4myheart]

Some people are just very good at their job.

[@ravens_tale]

You would never tell. She is amazing!

[@punknaught]

This put a whole new perspective on that scene ....

[@ethanholgate2512]

I know I can't believe that true testament

[@entish2]

Finding out that their reunion was not shot in sequence to the killing scene makes Bella's performance even more amazing. Bella was able to portray that stark emotion, the terror, then that collapse into Joel/Pedro, and the numbness, the shock of what Ellie had just gone through and done but without the adrenaline that built up to it in the actual sequence in the episode! That's unparalleled, just exceptional.

[@deew103]

Bruh why do you have my name 😭

[@AhammedShaheedhudheen]

​@@deew103 because of you he had to put a space

[@SMSimon]

Give these people ALL the Emmys!!

[@wyhott]

And when she fought back at first Bc she was still traumatized from what had just happened, UGGHH LIKE HOW HOOWWW. The acting is so good it’s unbelievable

[@deew103]

@@wyhott ikr, that depiction was frighteningly convincing 😭

[@wanderlogging]

Bella did an amazing job. Her screams, just broke me. What a performance, give her all the awards!

[@rowaystarco]

That was some insanely good acting.

[@StanTheIV]

That was the most flat acting I've seen in a long time. All she can do is cry or scream and literally nothing else.

[@redmilk2861]

@@StanTheIV did we watch the same show?

[@StanTheIV]

@@redmilk2861 Yes we did. All she can do is scream and cry and she's not even that good at it.

[@StanTheIV]

@@nayeonmi who cares? she can use them i won't

[@lischa545]

I love the quiet "babbling with her words" Balla does when she recognizes that it is Joel grabbing her. It was perfect.

[@mahi_ra]

Same, I rewatched that part so many times, seems so natural. She did so well

[@novachromatic]

8:48 "He... ᵇᵃʷᵃᵇᵘ" is so incredible and so much subtler than the "He tried to-" in the game. And then her exhale into his chest? I really prefer the show's version.

[@saggyflapjax]

@@novachromatic me too for sure, so much more real

[@allanlocke5749]

@@novachromatic yeah but Joel has less of an idea of what she's been through and therefore can't comfort and support her properly. That line also allows Ellie to give proper shape to her trauma so that she can get past it. The bawabu just makes her sound drunk and like the trauma still has the better of her. It's a no for me, it's better if she says the line. There shouldn't be any subtlety

[@novachromatic]

@@allanlocke5749 Because the trauma does still have the better of her. Conquering trauma takes time, so she doesn't need to give proper shape to it yet. That can come later. She doesn't need to say it explicitly because the audience knows what David was gonna do to her and Ellie knows as well. I think subtlety here is the right choice. Joel seeing her screaming and trying to yank herself away from him is enough for him to know at that moment that what she needs right now is an assurance that she's safe. He can get more of an idea of what she went through as they process the events in the following days and weeks.

[@stellarmonet]

I can’t believe Bella had to shoot the reunification before killing David?? That is incredible and shows how talented they are. I do really think they’re perfect for the role

[@TherapyGel]

I had doubts about Bella before the series started, but now I'm confident that there wasn't anyone else who could've done a better job than her thus far. Incredible talent and effort by her and the whole crew. This series is a monumental achievement.

[@Largentina.]

Most movies and shows are shot out of sequence. It's more common than it isn't. But they had already read the scripts for that part so they're aware of what's coming.

[@yellowprime8491]

​@@Largentina. Exactly. The biggest (but not the only one) factor for determining shooting order is access to Locations. So no big surprise an outdoor shot that has way more uncontrolled variables has to be shot before the indoor stuff with David that they can shoot when the weather isn't in favor.

[@stellarmonet]

@@Largentina. I’m aware of that! Knowing what’s in the script vs acting it out and trying to encompass such a huge moment is different and still takes a lot of skill to portray authentically

[@Largentina.]

@@stellarmonet Yes, acting takes skill. Just like most trades and professions.

[@nvm893]

Goodness, Pedro and Bella have nailed the roles of Joel and Ellie. These guys at naughty dog and HBO know what they're doing.

[@Playami]

also props to sony for taking a chance on Neil

[@crashpal]

@Omar Mendoza they originally planned to do it as movie like Uncharted but i think they learned their lesson

[@analmf1210]

Both, so different from their characters, they are very good actors.

[@sanscervelle]

I wish these videos were six hours long I love listening to all of them talk so passionately about the show & game, it feeds my soul.

[@kmilita94]

Listen to the podcast then!! They are awesome!

[@sanscervelle]

@@kmilita94 yes!! i've been meaning to thank you for reminding me

[@ЙцукенгшщзхъОранаментарах]

​@@kmilita94 What are they talking about there?

[@Nohelia_Pau]

@@kmilita94where can I find the podcast

[@kmilita94]

@@ЙцукенгшщзхъОранаментарах they talk about the show and each episode correspond to the episode in the show. So in the first podcast they talk about episode 1..and so on

[@salamanda11]

I love how proud Craig is when he says he wasn’t nervous at all about the reuniting scene. Because he knows how good Bella and Pedro are.

[@mrtom2854]

I love how involved Neil is with this, and with every change it's always "I wish I'd thought of that", instead of "why are you changing my game?". It's very difficult to nail a videogame adaption in a way that keeps the creators, the money people and the audience happy, but they've absolutely nailed it with TLOU.

[@daedits7912]

Exactly, it’s also great to see what alternative things could’ve been added that wouldn’t have ruined the game either way be put into the show. It was changes for the better and not the worse. It was definitely a relief to see at least one video game adaptation manage to keep it just as precious.

[@al7951]

The way Bella cries in the scene with Joel is SO gut-wrenching, and tragic, and real. Phenomenal acting all around in this show. As someone who played the games I was nervous, but you guys have blown me away.

[@daedits7912]

Couldn’t have worded it better 🙌

[@geckie112009]

Pedro's amazement at Bella's talent @8:00 is so wholesome 🥹

[@renascidanilo]

This is the best conversation about this show I've experienced so far. We can feel everything. And it's awesome.

[@sophp4182]

Love the genuine respect Pedro seems to have for Bella. It’s very warming.

[@agensik7148]

Listening to people who are that passionate about what they are doing is so satisfying. Chapeau bas to Neil, Craig and the whole team for their creativity, ingenuity and hard work. Mad respect to Bella and Pedro for their phenomenal portrayals of Ellie and Joel. I don't think I've ever been more emotionally attached to any TV characters after only one season (still unfinished).

[@deserttrekkie]

even better, don't they all seem like genuinely grounded and kind people? I love when it works out for the good ones. Wish we saw that more.

[@melissabenner]

I have been telling my friends the same exact thing you said! I’ve never fallen in love with characters so hard so fast before. Such a fierce emotional connection to them ❤

[@jakeleon3535]

Bella absolutely killed that reaction when reuniting with Joel. Better than I could've imagined.

[@ВалерияВасильева-щ1и]

Pedro and Bella spent so much time together on the set and now we can see how they got into each other, they listen attentively to each other, admire each other. This is a very cool friendship of different generations, no matter what anyone says and no matter how they hate them.

[@k4telyndaniels]

I love how much Craig lifts Bella up and always reassures them on how amazing they are.

[@messy_E]

The fact that Bella had shot the last scene before Ellie killed David is unbelievable. I was already blown away by their performance but now I’m even more blown away and in awe of their talent. Bella is a ridiculously talented actor and they will rock the world.Episode 8 was something else. Congrats and thank you to Bella,Pedro,Craig,Neil and to the whole cast and the crew of TLOU.

[@Amozon28]

The way craig just lights up with pride everytime he talks about pedros and bellas performances is so sweet

[@ijustexist1477]

No words can express how much I love this show and game.

[@kil10101]

Everyone on twitter was complaining about Joel not entering the restaurant and I felt completely the opposite, their explanation just makes me love it even more

[@allanlocke5749]

This comment section is full of smug people comparing themselves to other people. Annoying. Btw both versions are great.

[@kil10101]

@@allanlocke5749 yeah, both are masterpieces of its own

[@lunacouer]

The best part about this interview is Pedro finding out that Bella didn't film their scene after the David scene. He was not only surprised, but there was a look of quiet admiration for her. I actually teared up seeing that 🥺

[@nightview93]

bella and pedro's chemistry is just so lovely to see. brilliant casting and this show has been outstanding, i don't want it to end!

[@jokesonyou5629]

Bella deserves the awards and all the respect. You could tell she's legitly passionate about this work. Can't believe people was questioning her as Ellie the first few episodes.

[@Huckle15]

I was one of them, she earned my respect as the character.

[@allanlocke5749]

Don't act like you didn't question it either. The show runners had a vision for the character you didn't you were just as confused as the rest of us.

[@jokesonyou5629]

@@allanlocke5749 I'm glad that you could speak on my behalf 🤔🤡

[@agensik7148]

Craig going ''guuuuurl' to Bella in 5:01 bc that was probably the inside joke between them and Pedro

[@stellarmonet]

I saw them say it in an interview before so ur right 😂❤️

[@oscopin74]

From the many many scenes Bella films as Ellie, I'm amazed at her acting every time. Like when Sam's brother, Henry, unfortunately does what he does, her reaction is so authentic looking. When Joel finds her outside the restaurant and the scenes with Riley, I can't think of another actress that could do what she's done. I've bought into her being Ellie 110%. Though I love the games maybe more, cause it was my introduction to all these characters and this world, I must say, The HBO series so far has really got me reinvested in these characters again and this story.

[@SolidOcelot]

Hearing Bella's accent in these just makes me realise they're even better at acting than I already thought Gonna need a gag reel for this when it's done after hearing about Bella making Pedro laugh Neil's description of how players will react to the scene where Ellie killed David is exactly how I felt, they really know what they're doing

[@Solid1minD]

Everything is spot on. I am feeding off the energy they all have - such a healthy chemistry amongs the crew, it's so rare and wonderful.

[@hyperbandit]

I just want to say, that section @ 06:13 where they splice the show with the game is done so well. There's so many scenes that really could be done just the same which is a testament to how well they adapted the source material and how close they stayed to it. There's not a single piece of adapted material that has ever been as close to the source as this show.

[@cosplayannie]

Also at 7:29 Bella looked so much like Ashley after Ellie killed David, I was shocked. Ellie looking like her mom in the show :') Love them both.

[@rowaystarco]

Yeah, they look quite similar. Pretty cool that she actually does look like Ellie, the "real" Ellie from the game.

[@minsuk6989]

I just LOVE Pedro and Bella so much! Their Chemistry is unbelievable! Wish We could see the more of them in season 2 pls…

[@msreal5270]

This is hands the down one of the best cast EVER. Just the love they have for each other alone allowed them to make something extraordinary. Very well done.

[@daisydavies2188]

when they put the re union clip in the interview i instantly cried again its such a moving scene. Pedro and Bella are so talented words cannot describe

[@allanlocke5749]

Just tears like down my face. Txt Craig "we did it"

[@SomeStaleBread]

I love how you can see their genuine love and passion for this show and for each other, and it pays off so well with such an incredible show

[@juanafernandezcappi8791]

It warms my heart just how much they all love the show, the characters and what they've created together. All that care for the story translate into the series and by extension into every person that gets inside the micro universe by watching it! ❣️❣️❣️

[@Nikkiflausch]

Replacing every bit of violence with bits of character development was the only correct decision. These guys knew the game, know the TV medium, know the gaming medium and know the genre. They made so many correct decisions, and you can‘t do that without knowing exactly what you‘re doing.

[@user-sk7cf8oq4l]

Episode 8 shattered me completely like I have not stopped thinking about it. I don't think any actress could have portrayed Ellie's terror to collapse of devastation in Joel's arms like Bella did I'm genuinely astonished

[@lorenzomhc]

What a fascinating and insightful conversation! It's incredible to hear from the cast and creators of The Last of Us about their approach to violence and character development, and how humor played a role in helping them cope with the intensity of certain scenes. Neil Druckmann's pride in the outcome of the show is well-deserved, and it's clear that everyone involved poured their hearts and souls into bringing this story to life. Thank you for sharing this behind-the-scenes look with us!

[@ubetosis]

I could listen to them talk about the game and show for hours. how passionate they are is so beautiful and refreshing to see

[@mattcroyle]

I can listen to people talk shop like this all day. Love it.

[@shorthairkorra]

love watching bella and pedro talk, they are so funny together and we as fans got so lucky having them casted

[@emmygraphicss]

Bella’s performance with David was amazing. Just the way they captured the pure fear, disgust and rage one would feel in Ellie’s situation I feel like they really nailed it.

[@orangeapples]

I really do love how they cut game and show scenes together. Just being able to hear the dialog and see them and really just think, "yup that's them."

[@kristenconrad3324]

That scene is one that will forever be my favorite… I get goosebumps everytime. Bella and Pedro deserve everything for making this come to life perfectly and as well as the makers. Just amazing…

[@josephyr]

I cannot believe Bella didn’t film that sequence chronologically wow she really had to tap in to do that I’m astonished

[@ultima8854]

Huge respect for how they adapted the feelings the game gave you into a show instead of doing it just like the game or completely changing it to their narrative. Really loved the series so far.

[@sarawingle]

I think what makes the show even more enjoyable, is knowing that it is based on love, that the cast and the crew just really love each other and I think that translates beautifully onto the screen. ❤❤

[@laurenbendik2006]

I love that they knew how to help each other out with anxiety.

[@Luvluvvv]

Pedro and Bella you two absolutely amazing and you two will always be superstars ❤❤❤

[@ajayzkates]

JUST WOW ON HOW AMAZING EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS EVERY ART AND PEOPLE OF THIS WHOLE. INSANE. WILL FOREVER GIVE ME FEELS.

[@lx-icon]

I really love that Craig sees Bella as a daughter - but Pedro sees Bella as an equal. It's so cute!

[@catenystrom6506]

ALLLLL the Emmy's, this is the best show I've seen in ages. Pedro and Bella...there are no words, I just love them.

[@milam1012]

I love these conversations between the show creators and the leads. I love the passion they're showing for this project, and their live for their work

[@caejansen6393]

Bella and Pedro are one of the best duo I've ever seen. Just gives us the impression that they have been working together from a long long time. I already knew they are great actors but seen them sharing the scenes was unbelievable. Bella is so young and is so talented and now that we know the scene of the reunion was shot before Ellie killed David is just mesmerizing. I love the game and I love the show.

[@nayeonmi]

bella is such a great actor.. the episode ending made me cry so much, ellie went through so much i just wanted to hug her so bad. bella did an amazing job! to be such a talented actor just at the age of 19! they have a very bright future

[@nayeonmi]

season 2 is gonna be tough

[@YodaMan-420]

this show better be nominated for every award and win them all. especially episode 3.

[@allanlocke5749]

Or better yet episode 5 that part where Ellie is unsure of herself but still tentatively smears her blood on Sam's wound and they hug.

[@xBintu]

i am very thankful to experience all of these people and their work, it was an unbelievable experience

[@adrijo23]

The last scene in the last episode impacted me more than the game. I haven't played or seen the first game since it came out, so I was reliving the scenes with my husband (someone who hasn't played the game). And every time I would get scared that it wouldn't be as emotional as it was for me when I played the game, I would get outstandingly shocked, over and over again. You all did a phenomenal job at building the raw emotions for the characters and for the viewers. Thank you guys for making something that I got so deeply attached to into a new thing (the show).

[@hacha1111]

Coming from someone who hasn't played the game, I love the show!! What an amazing job!!

[@mrtom2854]

Bella is rapidly becoming my favourite actress - she's absolutely incredible

[@jcbehnke]

JC she is awful. Idk how you can post this with a straight face.

[@Reismiilch]

watching this makes me understand why the show just looked and felt so good. Not only because they had so many re-calls to the videogame such as camera angles or camera movements- but also just filming in the wild or in a real city makes it so hauntingly beautiful. The less cgi the better

[@velvetp5754]

I just love Bella and Pedro’s dynamic on and off screen. This adaptation was literally meant for them.

[@cathycorcoran4621]

The show was absolutely perfect. I wouldn’t have changed one thing. That scene with Ellie and Joel reuniting after her slaying David will be forever imprinted in my brain. I think that’s the single best piece of tv I have ever watched. The emotions it stirred with so little dialogue. The look in their eyes. The pure relief it incited in me when they finally embraced each other. I love that Ellie wasn’t saved by Joel, she saved herself. I love the way she melted into him with relief, and he held onto his baby for dear life. Bella and Pedro absolutely smashed it. They are my Ellie & Joel without a shadow of a doubt.

[@pattithestranger]

after watching that killing scene I was in awe of Bella's acting but learning that it was shot AFTER the reunion... OH MY GOD, what an amazing actress she is! this show is just phenomenal... the best group of people (cast & crew) that they could come up with

[@claracjza]

i’m so emotional can’t believe we just have one ep left

[@sashkos.2415]

Thank you for the experience. I love the game and show ❤

[@hatorokku22]

I could watch these 4 talk for hours. Seeing the game teams reaction to two great actors gushing about their franchise & vice versa is so wholesome and deserving

[@ulf7279]

5:40, the fact Pedro knew who she was referring to.. how I love them

[@koolaidlover2382]

9:16 Bella massaging Pedro’s shoulders 😭❤️

[@crismusflake]

8:47 that look that she gives him right there was the last straw that shattered my heart from that episode

[@Redmon05]

The best dramatic adaptation of a video game I've ever seen. Bravo.

[@Santiagoy2000]

Bella killed it during the whole season, her acting has been flawless, and her chemistry with Pedro, who is already a renowned actor with good reason, just made the whole series one of the best ever. Knowing the facts that went throughout the shooting of the series shows how incredible as a duo this two actors are. The fact that the reunion scene was shot much before the killing of David, shows how commited and well educated are both actors, but geez, Bella at just 19 years old making that perfomance, is simply unreal.

[@Sparxx_]

The gratitude of everyone involved is so genuine and awesome

[@cybrpunk]

Please keep this going. These conversations are fire. 🔥😭🔥😭😍

[@jillianbrodsky]

“Can I tell you who was not nervous? Me.” HE LOOKS AT HER WITH SUCH PRIDE😭😭

[@splendidsunrise108]

I absolutely loved the way episode 8 was shot. It is a masterpiece!

[@RazorSe7en]

Thank you for making The Last of Us television series as amazingly special as the games! Can't wait for season 2 and beyond.

[@ladyms7840]

So beautiful. I'm incredibly proud to have been alive for a game of this calibre and to also see it adapted with such beauty and heart by amazing people. Further immortalized it for me. Thank you

[@yourfavoritebubbe7444]

the game changed my life. I've never had such an emotional experience playing something before. the show is truly taking something that I already thought was a perfect story and making it even better. I have loved every second of it. Thank you for making the amazing content that you do. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you

[@strawberryfrogforever]

9:01 him admitting how much faith he had in his talented coworkers is very humble

[@tessa5233]

This show is very quickly becoming one of my favorite shows

[@maysawilson423]

One of my most favorite shows ever! Each episode its getting better and better

[@beobe99]

I love hearing about directors'/show creators' tactics to help the actors feel the moment.

[@waranghira]

Such a treat when a show is well thought of and the creators and actors are well-versed in their craft

[@rodrigolino3604]

Please. We want more video like that. This is a amazing. Thank you guys for this work.

[@yionane]

i got emotional near the end of this video... you can really tell the effort put into the making of this show.

[@alexandrarocha4519]

The love in this show is so wholesome! BEST SHOW EVER ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ok00]

This is the best series i have watched

[@jedquijote]

Glad they convey all the emotions of the video game. One of the greatest shows of all times, kudos to Lady Bear and Papi Pascal

[@gustavoalvarez9676]

Those 2 are really good actors, very natural.

[@ashyoder7645]

I could rewatch this show so many times!

[@pascalwilson6707]

Watching this interview make me cry

[@milam1012]

Bella and Pedro's friendship is so precious ❤

[@DomTheBomb]

Love these 🥂

[@P_F_D]

Bella shooting the last scene before the David scene reminds me of how Pedro Pascal shot his scene with Tyrion in the dungeon, where Tyrion picked him as his champion, as their very first scene in Season 4 of GoT before they had really gotten to know each other

[@shayneoshaughnessy2471]

it's crazy how talented bella is. i can imagine her going through this grueling, heart-wrenching scene then like five minutes later giggling and joking around and talking back in her actual accent like it's no big deal to switch like that.

[@shayneoshaughnessy2471]

and the fact that they filmed the reuniting scene BEFORE killing david? so they didn't even have a full grasp on what the emotion was after killing david, they just are that good of an actor.

[@allanlocke5749]

Oh my God the talent

[@ivorymelmoth]

When I first heard they were making a live action show of the game, I was super excited and a little anxious, LOL. It was tricky to imagine the game made into something for TV. I'm so proud of how this show turned out. It exceeded all my expectations, and I was already pretty optimistic based on the cast and crew alone.

[@allanlocke5749]

I never watched GOT so I had no expectations on apprehension

[@MangosInTrees]

I think this is the best show I’ve ever seen

[@GandalfGreyhame3]

You all did amazing job! I am such a fan of PlayStation and this game, it has been a dream seeing this story unfold in live action. The changes are so well done I am excited for the finale. Please keep the same crew for the next season everything is just simply perfect!

[@CDNCtiezalbo]

I'm gutted that it's almost over, not sure how I am going to be able to wait for part 2