Nick Offerman will appear in HBO’s “The Last of Us” in an unspecified capacity. On NBC’s political mockumentary sitcom Parks and Recreation, he played Ron Swanson, Leslie Knope’s (Amy Poehler) taciturn libertarian boss. Offerman also had roles in The Founder and Fargo TV adaptations on FX, as well as producing the reality competition show Making It with Poehler. Because of his involvement on Parks & Recreation and his published books on various nature-related issues, Offerman is often linked with a “rugged outdoorsman” persona.
“The Last of Us“: HBO’s highly anticipated TV adaption was revealed in March 2020 and is expected to premiere in 2022. The adventure video game from Naughty Dog was launched in 2013 and is one of the best-selling titles worldwide. Joel, the protagonist, must escort a young girl named Ellie across America in a post-apocalyptic setting. In the meantime, a mutant fungus is turning infected humans into rabid enemies. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann created the TV series, which stars Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey of Game of Thrones as Ellie, and Gabriel Luna as Joel’s brother Tommy. In addition to Merle Dandridge, Jeffrey Pierce, Anna Torv, and Murray Bartlett, the cast includes Merle Dandridge, Jeffrey Pierce, Anna Torv, and Murray Bartlett. In July 2021, production began in Calgary, Alberta.
Nick Offerman is another previously unannounced Last of Us cast member, according to Bartlett in an interview with The Guardian. Bartlett, who has recently been in the news for his tumultuous performance in The White Lotus, talked about filming Frank, a survivalist who lives in an isolated place with another character, Bill (Con O’Neill). When asked about his experience filming the episode, Bartlett accidentally divulged that several of his sequences feature the Parks and Recreation actor:
We filmed it in Calgary. A lot of my scenes are with Nick Offerman. Playing off him was awesome.
Although there has been no formal confirmation of Offerman’s involvement in the project, the fact that Bartlett has many moments with him in the books suggests he will appear. His performances in Fargo and the FX limited series Devs have received a lot of praise. Some fans discussing the game online suggested Offerman for the lead role earlier in the casting process, although it’s unclear whether he was considered. It’s possible he auditioned and was cast in a different role.
Fans have already speculated about Offerman’s likely role on “The Last of Us” after spotting the surprise announcement. Fans have speculated that Offerman has been cast as David, Eugene, or Henry, as the role of Bill has already been cast. Others have speculated that Offerman is portraying Frank’s hunter after he becomes infected, or a figure who does not appear in the games. Whatever his role, Offerman’s man-of-the-woods image and in-character penchant for chopping wood make him a suitable fit for a post-apocalyptic supply crunch.