Nick Offerman is bringing his bearded talents to HBO’s adaptation of the video game “The Last of Us.” Originally actor Con O’Neill had been announced for the role of Bill. He supposedly had to drop out of the project due to scheduling conflicts. Offerman will reportedly be playing the Bill in a re-casting. W. Earl Brown (“Deadwood“) voiced the character in the original game.
In a battle of epicly groomed sporters of facial hair, Offerman will be partnering up with Murray Bartlett. Bartlett (who sports a phenomenal stache in “The White Lotus”) is playing Frank. The couple are the only two inhabitants of a town.
“The Last of Us” is in a post apocalyptic world where a deadly fungus has destroyed society. Pedro Pascal will be playing the lead role of Joel. His mission is to smuggle Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey out of a quarantine zone. The “Game of Thrones” alumni had been announced in their roles earlier in 2021.
If we had to pick a real life celebrity to survive an apocalypse, we’d put a fair amount of money on Offerman. He’s an accomplished woodworker, and we’re guessing he may have absorbed some of Ron Swanson’s knowledge through the course of “Parks and Recreation.”
Offerman actually has a new book out called “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside.” Some of those walks outside include rambles with Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy or author George Saunders.
Unfortunately it might be a while before we get to see Offerman and the rest of the cast in “The Last of Us.” Filming began in July of 2021 in Canada. Optimistically we’re hoping for a late 2022 release. Simultaneously we’re more than happy to give the showrunners the time they need to adapt the project. In the meantime you catch Offerman on “Colin in Black & White,” and soon see him in “Pam & Tommy,” as well as the “A League of Their Own” series.
