The latest episode of HBO’s “The Last of Us” has left fans reeling with its emotional flashback featuring Joel and Ellie. The production designer, Don Macaulay, shared insights into the meticulous process of bringing this pivotal scene to life.
Filming took place in Vancouver, where the team scouted a forest clearing to replicate Wyoming’s geography. The natural history museum set was meticulously designed to mirror the game, with attention to detail in every aspect. An animatronic dinosaur from China was brought in for stunts, while visual effects were used to create the museum’s exterior.
Inside the museum, Joel and Ellie explore like wide-eyed kids, captivated by the wonders around them. The team went to great lengths to recreate the museum’s ambiance, including lining a hallway with black velvet and fake diamonds to create a space-like illusion. The room with the solar system featured planets that moved in a circular motion, adding to the authenticity of the scene.
The most challenging part was recreating the space capsule, with the interior shot on a separate stage. The team experimented with different materials and lighting to achieve the desired effect, ultimately using blue screens for the final product. Every detail, from panels to chairs, was carefully sourced to give the illusion of a real spacecraft.
Despite staying true to the game for the most part, one exhibit was missing from the final cut. Macaulay explained that the dinosaur exhibit, though scaled down, featured several full-scale skeletons and interactive elements. This omission did not detract from the episode’s emotional impact, as Joel and Ellie’s final moments in the museum were poignant and bittersweet.
As Pedro Pascal’s final turn as Joel in the series, this episode sheds light on the characters’ strained relationship in Season 2. The bond between Joel and Ellie is forever solidified in their final moment of pure joy as they take off into space together. The attention to detail and dedication to authenticity in this episode truly brought Joel and Ellie’s story to life on screen.
