Want to hear more from the actors and creators of your favorite shows and films? Subscribe to The Cinema Spot on YouTube for all of our upcoming interviews!

+ posts

Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.

We have a great update on HBO and Sony Pictures’ adaptation of The Last of Us. A few hours ago, we received word about a new addition to the character roster.

Nico Parker to play Joel's Daughter
Nico Parker will play Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal)’s daughter in Naughty Dog and Sony Computer Entertainment’s critically acclaimed action-adventure video game, ‘The Last Of Us’.

Details

In a report written by Joe Otterson at Variety, actress Nico Parker has been cast in a guest role. She will portray Joel Miller’s daughter, Sarah. However, a noteworthy detail here is that that may not be her name in the television series. Justin Kroll at Deadline reports the same news although does not mention the character by name. Perhaps, she will certainly go by “Sarah,” or maybe the character that Parker plays will go by another name or none at all.

Nonetheless, this is exciting news for horror video game fans and television fans alike. Joel’s daughter is the first major character in the video game series to die, and it is a tragic death at that. Personally, I hope to shed some tears when this happens, and there is no doubt that she will perform the part.

The 16-year-old English actress already has a few great credits in her bag. She got her break playing Milly Farrier in Tim Burton’s 2019 adaptation of Disney’s Dumbo. Last fall, she starred in HBO and Sky Atlantic’s British-American psychological thriller–folk horror drama, The Third Day, in the role of Ellie. Parker will portray Zoe in Lisa Joy’s science-fiction film, Reminiscence. (Her real-life mother, Thandiwe Newton will play the main character, Watts.)

Parker is represented by Curtis Brown and WME.

Background Information on The Last of Us Video Game

The Last of Us centers on Joel Miller (Troy Baker), a man during the post-apocalypse who tragically lost his biological daughter Sarah (Hana Hayes) during the outbreak of the Cordyceps fungal virus. Two decades later, he has become a full-fledged killer and transports Ellie (Ashley Johnson) to the Fireflies. Ultimately, Joel risks his own life to save hers and puts the fate of the whole world at stake. In the process, Joel and Ellie form a potent bond as adoptive father and daughter while facing human and transhuman evils.

Background Information on The Last of Us Adaptation

Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, and Merle Dandridge have previously been cast in the series earlier this year. The first few actors will portray the live-action roles of Joel Miller, Ellie, and Tommy Miller, respectively. Dandridge, on the other hand, will be reprising her role as the Fireflies’ leader, Marlene, from the video game series. The Last of Us television adaptation will reportedly film starting just next week (on July 5th) and is scheduled to end on June 2022.

Last summer, The Last of Us Part II was met with outstanding critical responses with its human themes of family, pride, and psychology. HBO greenlit production on the television adaptation this past November, with Craig Mazin (Scary Movie 34Superhero MovieThe Hangover Part IIIII, and Emmy Award-winning Chernobyl) writing and executively producing alongside Naughty Dog president Neil Druckmann. Kantemir Balagov will reportedly direct the series pilot.

Joel Holds Sarah
Joel Miller (Troy Baker) holding his daughter, Sarah Miller (Hana Hayes), in Naughty Dog and Sony Computer Entertainment’s critically acclaimed action-adventure video game, ‘The Last Of Us’.

The Last of Us television adaptation enters principal photography next week.

In the meantime, you can see Parker in Reminiscence later this summer on August 20th! (The film will play in theaters and will also stream simultaneously on HBO Max.) Also, go play Naughty Dog and Sony Computer Entertainment’s The Last of Us video game series. It is, indeed, phenomenal!

Are you anxious to see this series? Have you played the games? Which of the two installments is your favorite? What are your thoughts on the franchise? Let us know! For more action, adventure, drama, and horror-related news and reviews follow The Cinema Spot on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram!

Sources: Deadline and Variety

+ posts

Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.

John Daniel Tangalin

About John Daniel Tangalin

Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.

View all posts by John Daniel Tangalin