Showrunner Craig Mazin says he spoke with the Oscar winner about the lead part before casting Pedro Pascal.
One name that surfaced at the time wasMatthew McConaughey.
These talks, however, weren’t as extensive as one might think.
Matthew McConaughey was in talks to play Joel on ‘The Last of Us’.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images; Liane Hentscher/HBO
“I did talk to Matthew.
I can’t say that it was a series [of conversations].
“Pedro was on our list from the start.
Another actor rumored to be in contention was Oscar winnerMahershala Ali.
Mazin tossed dirt on that fire by saying he did not have talks with Ali.
But he soon realizes Ellie is somehow immune to the plague that has transformed the infected into zombie-like creatures.
So, yes, I am grateful for that.”
Watch Mazin’s full interview onHappy Sad Confusedbelow.
