When it comes to adapting a beloved video game like The Last of Us, you'd think the people behind the scenes would have the source material memorized. But for storyboard artist Colin Lorimer, that wasn't the case—and it turned out to be a secret weapon.
Lorimer, who worked on all three seasons of HBO's hit series, recently revealed that he had never actually played the original game before joining the production. Instead, his familiarity came from watching his son play, which left him impressed by the game's visuals and story. When Neil Druckmann, the co-creator of the game and executive producer on the show, learned this, he didn't rush to hand Lorimer a controller. In fact, he saw it as a positive.
Speaking with Collider at LightBox Expo 2026, Lorimer explained that Druckmann valued his fresh perspective. Rather than being steeped in the game's lore, Lorimer could approach the adaptation with new eyes, unburdened by expectations of how certain moments were "supposed" to look. This unconventional approach didn't stop him from studying the game's environments and characters, but it allowed him to bring a unique viewpoint to the storyboarding process.
That fresh perspective proved invaluable, especially when tackling some of the series' most iconic sequences. Lorimer singled out Season 1's "Endure and Survive" as his most challenging episode to storyboard, particularly the massive infected attack and the dramatic arrival of the Bloater. The sequence went through numerous creative iterations as Lorimer collaborated with director Jeremy Webb, but the final result was worth the effort. The Bloater's entrance remains one of the show's most memorable spectacles, a testament to the team's dedication.
Fans will soon get a closer look at how Lorimer's work helped bring The Last of Us from script to screen. He's set to present "The Story Art of HBO's The Last of Us" at LightBox Expo 2026, where he'll walk attendees through the entire process, from storyboard to finished episode. The event takes place October 23–25, and Collider's Aidan Kelley will moderate a Wicked panel there as well.
This revelation adds another layer to the show's success, which has been praised for its faithful yet fresh take on the source material. It's a reminder that sometimes, not knowing the rules can lead to the most creative solutions. For those eager to dive deeper into the world of The Last of Us, there's plenty more to explore, including other HBO adaptations that are generating buzz.
As the series continues to expand, Lorimer's story serves as a testament to the power of diverse perspectives in entertainment. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the games or a newcomer to the franchise, there's something to appreciate in the collaborative effort that brings this post-apocalyptic world to life. And for those curious about the creative process behind other hit shows, Gary Oldman recently shared insights into how Slow Horses maintains its quality year after year.
Stay tuned for more updates from LightBox Expo and the world of The Last of Us. In the meantime, if you're looking for more exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, check out this sneak peek at an upcoming thriller, or this first look at a terrifying new sequel.
