Alex Garland Says The Last of Us is "On Another Level" Compared to His Own Work, 28 Days Later

In a stunning revelation during a Creator to Creator podcast with The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann, acclaimed writer Alex Garland shared his unexpected praise for the video game and its subsequent TV adaptation. Garland, whose credits include the iconic post-apocalyptic film 28 Days Later, shocked fans by admitting that The Last of Us—in terms of writing—surpasses his own work.

While Garland is proud of 28 Days Later and its influence on zombie cinema, he couldn't help but acknowledge the game’s superior narrative sophistication. "The Last of Us is better than 28 Days Later. The Last of Us is better than 28 Days, or at least the writing is," Garland confessed. "It’s so much more sophisticated and moving. I’m not dissing 28 Days Later, I’m very proud of it. But seriously, The Last of Us is on another level."

What Garland's Response Means for The Last of Us

Garland’s bold comparison highlights the rich, nuanced storytelling in The Last of Us. The game and its TV adaptation bring a depth to the apocalypse genre that 28 Days Later never explored, especially when it comes to the complexities of human survival.

In 28 Days Later, protagonist Jim’s struggle to survive is harsh and primal, but ultimately, he finds optimism amidst the chaos. He represents the ideal survivor, fighting not just for survival but for meaning in a collapsing world. In contrast, Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) in The Last of Us is deeply broken, more pragmatic and morally conflicted. His actions in the season finale, potentially condemning humanity to save Ellie (Bella Ramsey), show a darker, more complex side of survival. The Last of Us doesn’t just tell a survival story—it explores the heavy moral gray areas that come with it.

Why Both Stories Are Essential Viewing

While 28 Days Later is a raw, intense survival tale, The Last of Us elevates the genre with its deeper exploration of human emotion and morality. Garland’s praise confirms what fans already knew—the TV adaptation of The Last of Us is pushing the boundaries of storytelling in ways that set it apart from other post-apocalyptic narratives. If anything, Garland’s endorsement solidifies The Last of Us as a game-changing series, proving that video game adaptations can be just as sophisticated and thought-provoking as their original inspirations.

Source: Creator to Creator (via GamesRadar+)