Unveiling the Real-World Grit: The Last of Us Filming Locations
Alright, The Last of Us fans, buckle up! We're about to embark on a thrilling journey that'll take us from the post-apocalyptic world of the game to the real-world filming locations that brought it to life. So, grab your supplies, and let's hit the road! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and the last of us filming location.
The Quarantine Zone: Calgary, Alberta
Kicking off our list is the quarantine zone from the game's opening sequence. In reality, this desolate and eerie landscape was filmed in the picturesque city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The crew transformed the city's downtown area into a post-apocalyptic wasteland, complete with abandoned streets and overgrown vegetation.
Fun fact: The iconic scene where Joel and Tess are walking through the city was actually shot on a street called 4th Street SW. You can even spot the Sienkiewicz Bakery sign in the background, which is a real-life Calgary business!
The Suburbs: metro Atlanta, Georgia
Next up, we're heading to the suburbs of metro Atlanta, Georgia. The show's creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, chose Atlanta as the main filming location due to its diverse landscapes and architecture, which perfectly matched the game's varied settings.
The University of Georgia: The University of Georgia
Remember the scene where Joel, Ellie, and Tess are exploring the abandoned university? You guessed it, that's the real-life University of Georgia in Athens. The campus' historic architecture and sprawling greenery provided the perfect backdrop for the group's tense journey through the overrun college campus.
The Mall: Gwinnett Place Mall
Another standout location is the abandoned mall where Joel and Ellie encounter the cannibals. This haunting scene was filmed at the Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia. The once-bustling shopping center was transformed into a dark and foreboding space, complete with decaying storefronts and makeshift shelters.
The Capital: Savannah, Georgia
Our final stop takes us to the coastal city of Savannah, Georgia, which stood in for the game's fictional capital city. The show's creators were drawn to Savannah's historic architecture and picturesque squares, which helped to create a sense of nostalgia and melancholy.
The Hospital: Candler Hospital
The grimy and abandoned hospital where Ellie is taken to be examined was filmed at the Candler Hospital in downtown Savannah. The historic building's grand facade and imposing interior provided the perfect setting for this tense and emotional scene.
The Waterfront: River Street
Lastly, we can't forget the waterfront scene where Joel and Ellie watch the fireworks display. This heartwarming moment was filmed along River Street, a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare along the Savannah River. The street's cobblestone pavement and historic buildings helped to create a sense of timelessness and hope.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it, folks! We've explored some of the most iconic The Last of Us filming locations and discovered the real-world grit behind the game's post-apocalyptic world. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of filmmaking, there's no denying that these locations add an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the story.
So, the next time you're binge-watching the show or replaying the game, keep an eye out for these familiar landmarks. And who knows? Maybe you'll be inspired to plan your own road trip to explore these incredible locations for yourself!
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