HBO’s The Last of Us live series adaptation took the world by storm. Both those familiar with the game and new to the franchise found themselves enthralled by the show. From Nick Offerman’s iconic portrayal of Bill to the heartbreaking story of Henry and Sam, the series features well-rounded side characters that make the desolate world seem all the more real. A highly anticipated second season is on its way. However, despite outstanding performances from Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal, it seems the UK prefers another game adaptation.
“Viewers have been sinking their teeth into the Last of Us since January and it’s a perfect example of how a gripping video game storyline can be made for a different audience,” says TV analyst at WatchTVAbroad.com Jeff Richey. “The popularity and profits of the most successful games mean producers will always be tempted by big and small-screen adaptations — but there have been some pixel-perfect turkeys in the past.
“With the first season of The Last of Us setting viewing records for HBO, and a second already commissioned, Joel and Ellie have given the credibility of a genre a huge boost and blazed a trail for more of our favourite console characters to follow,” Richey adds.
Tomb Raider Remains Number One
However, according to research by WatchTVAbroad, the UK still considers the Tomb Raider films to be the best adaptation. 25 per cent of participants state that their favourite video game adaptations are the Tomb Raider films starring Angelina Jolie. Comparatively, only 19 per cent say The Last of Us Series is their top choice.
Streaming service Netflix’s The Witcher series came in 3rd place with 18.6 per cent of the votes. The Resident Evil film series starring Milla Jovovich takes comes in right on The Witcher’s heels with 18 per cent.
According to the survey data, age and gender play a role in choosing a top video game adaptation. 20 per cent of those surveyed between the ages of 16-24 chose Uncharted as the best adaptation. Both men and women chose Tomb Raider as their top choice. However, among women, Sonic the Hedgehog was the runner-up (23 per cent), while men picked the Resident Evil films as number two (15 per cent).
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
