In an interview with IATSE 212, a Canadian artists union president, Damian Petti, said, “The Last of Us which commences photography this week is indeed a monster. It has five art directors and employs an army of hundreds of technicians. It has had six months of prep and shoots (in Alberta) for 12 months.”
He added that the product “well exceeds the eight figure per episode mark so there is a multiplier effect on our economy in terms of its impact.” If numbers are crunched, “eight figures” translates to at least $10 million an episode or $100 million for ten episodes that the show is set to have.
However, the part where he says “well exceeds” could mean that the budget may reach the $15 million mark, which would take the season cost to $150 million. If that turns out to be true the show may surpass the production cost of even the final seasons of Game of Thrones.
The Last of Us TV series will focus on Joel and Ellie’s story from the first game. Game of Thrones stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey have been roped in to play the lead roles, with Gabriel Luna playing the part of Joel’s brother, Tommy.
Filming for the first season of The Last of Us will last for almost a year, so don’t expect it to be out until at least 2023.