The Last Of Us Star Hits Back at “Homophobic Hate” In Spirit Awards Winner’s Speech

Summary

• Nick Offerman addresses criticism of portraying gay characters in The Last of Us.
• Offerman will not return as Bill in a prequel or spin-off, putting an end to speculation on further storylines.
• Filming of The Last of Us Season 2 is underway, with Pedro Pascal sharing positive updates on the progress and dedication of the cast.

Nick Offerman followed up a Primetime Emmy win for his role as Bill in HBO’s post-apocalyptic horror series The Last of Us with a Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series win at the Independent Spirit Awards. On accepting his award, the actor took a moment to address the wave of criticism the series suffered for including an episode dedicated to the relationship between gay characters Bill and Frank (Murray Bertlett).

The Last Of Us

Release Date January 15, 2023

Seasons 2

Studio Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC), Government of Alberta, Naughty Dog

Creator Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin

In The Last of Us, Offerman’s portrayal of Bill became a huge talking point when it aired on HBO, but the comments were divided between those praising the episode for its storytelling and inclusivity, and those who slammed the show for diverging from the path of the video game’s narrative to tell a story about two gay men. Offerman and Bartlett’s performances brought to life a poignant and deeply moving story of love and survival, and that is what has led to Offerman’s accolades.

During his acceptance speech, Offerman shared his perspective on the backlash received over the last year since the episode aired, which mostly took the form of homophobic slurs on social media. Offerman said:

“Thank you so much, Film Independent. I’m astonished to be in this category, which is bananas. Thanks to HBO for having the guts to participate in this storytelling tradition that is truly independent. Stories with guts that when homophobic hate comes my way and says, ‘Why did you have to make it a gay story?’ We say, ‘Because you ask questions like that.’ It’s not a gay story, it’s a love story, you asshole.”

Offerman went on to add the usual thanks, as well as praise the people who made the show the success it became. He added

“So, more of that. Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin wrote this thing. Peter Hoar directed it. Murray Bartlett planted the strawberries, and that is not a euphemism. Thank you to my mom and dad, and my agents at UTA, but most importantly, my bride, my puzzle coach, and legal property, Megan Mullally.”

Nick Offerman Will Not Return to The Last of Us

While fans of Bill and Frank have been teased with talk of a potential return to the series in a prequel, it seems not to be something that will be happening. Back in January, Offerman addressed rumors of Bill and Frank possibly returning though flashbacks or even their own spin-off series after winning at the Creative Emmys. Offerman said at the time:

“It certainly has been pitched. I think we pitched a whole mini-series of a prequel of their lives before they met each other. It could be a musical. We’re not short on ideas. We’ll just we’ll see what Craig and Neil come up with.”

However, later series writer Craig Mazin updated that comment, noting that Offerman was not exactly being serious when suggesting a Bill and Frank series. He noted:

“I’m very proud of the episode we did with Bill and Frank. There won’t be more Bill and Frank. Nick was joking about a prequel, that was kind of a joke. We are very happy with what we achieved.”

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Filming is currently underway on The Last of Us Season 2, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey set to return alongside several newcomers to the series, including Kaitlyn Dever, who will play Abby in the new season. While appearing at the Spirit Awards, Pascal shared a brief update on filming, telling the press room that it “is going amazing” and he finds it “sort of awe-inspiring the kind of focus and dedication that everyone has going into Season 2.”

The Last of Us Season
1 is available to stream on Max. Season 2 is expected to arrive on HBO sometime in 2025.

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