A few weeks ago, we wrote a piece called "Casting The Witcher Netflix TV Series" and it went over really well with our community of readers. So naturally, we wanted to start a series!
We brought together all of our ideas (and maturity) to compile a list of actors that we believe could play the main characters in a "Netflix version" of The Last of Us, since the movie's production isn't going over all too well. Netflix has really been on their game lately in giving screen time to the franchises we love, so we hope if the The Last of Us movie doesn't make it to theaters, then a Netflix series could fill that hole. So here are our picks (for the cast of our dreams).
Joel:
Hugh Jackman
We'll admit, we're not the first, or the last, to cast the Australian heartthrob in the role of a burly man who is too afraid to love again. But even if you don't find him attractive, he's got acting chops and that's important when trying to have a character placed in the middle of post-pandemic America.
Viggo Mortensen
This Danish-American actor was and is still an icon for his work in The Lord of the Rings films, not to mention his work in The Road, a film where - you guessed it - a father and son travel across the wastes in a post-apocalyptic world. He's proven he can play parts in action movies and dramas, and that's exactly what The Last of Us Netflix series would need.
Daniel Day-Lewis
He's been out of the limelight for a while now, but if we want The Last of Us to win an Emmy, he's our guy.
Ellie:
Raffey Cassidy
Arguably one of the best parts of Disney's 2015 film Tomorrowland, Raffey Cassidy is the perfect age to play Ellie. Her experience working with George Clooney also proves that she'd be able to hold her own if one of the actors above gets the part of Joel.
Millie Bobby Brown
If you've been living under a rock, you would not have known that Brown crushed it in the Steven King-inspired Stranger Things. Her great acting range and lovable personality would make her a great fit for the part of Ellie.
Dafne Keen
She's no stranger to violence. Daphne Keen blew me away with her murderous performance in Logan; her age combined with her experience in a blockbuster action movie make her an ideal candidate. She may be a bit young, but the scene of her and Jackman driving together really struck a chord in us and is the reason she's on this list.
Tommy:
Matthew Modine
Besides looking the part, Matthew Modine has proven himself to be a talented actor in films such as Full Metal Jacket, so he would definitely have the charisma and chemistry to bring the complex sibling relationship that Joel and Tommy share in the game to life.
Tess:
Michelle Monaghan
Michelle Monaghan is best known for her excellent roles in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Season 1 of True Detective, and could definitely pull off the portrayal of the hardened (but caring) Tess.
Maggie Siff
Maggie Siff matches up with Tess pretty well age-wise, and she has proven herself to be good at playing tough female characters through her roles in Sons of Anarchy and Billions.
Lena Headey
If you are looking for an actress to play a strong and hardened female character, look no further than Lena Headey, who is best known for her exceptional performance as Cersei Lannnister in Game of Thrones. And hey, she kind of looks like Tess too.
David:
Oscar Isaac
We'll admit it; although he's currently playing Poe Dameron in Star Wars, we can all see Oscar Isaac as a cannibal. From Ex Machina to Inside Llewyn Davis, Isaac has shown that he can be likable, but with that necessary charisma and sense of unease that makes for a great villain.
Marlene:
Sonequa Martin-Green
She's smart, she's beautiful, and she's dangerous. Martin-Green is someone who knows how to play a badass in a post-pandemic wasteland due to her time on The Walking Dead, and she's a good shot too.
Naomie Harris
Naomie Harris is a very talented actress who has lots of experience playing protective but hardened characters like Marlene, so she would be a great pick for the role based on her performances in 28 Days Later and Skyfall.
Thandie Newton
She's plays a mean master manipulator. If you haven't seen it already, go watch Westworld and you'll see how. She's my ideal candidate and having her play the show's antagonist would make anyone want to watch.
There you have it: these are our picks for The Last of Us if it ever were to become a Netflix original series. If you've got another actor you think would be perfect in the show, let us know in the comments below!
Contributions for this article also done by staff writer Tomas Franzese.