The 3rd episode of the horror series The Last of Us is celebrated by fans. However, the tragic story of Bill and Frank almost looked very different.
We are now into the third week of rave reviews for The Last of Us series. Episode 3, titled Long, Long Time, pauses the otherwise accurate adaptation of the video game storyline and largely gives Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) adventure together a break.
Instead, this week’s The Last of Us is dedicated to the tragic love story of the two survivors Bill and Frank. The latest chapter has broken the hearts of many a fan. This is due in no small part to the sensitive and strong acting of the two actors Nick Offerman (Parks & Recreation) and Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus). However, we almost got to see a completely different Bill.
After The Last of Us exit, Nick Offermann became the replacement Bill
Episode 3 fast-forwards the relationship between Bill and Frank over a period of 16 years – from their first meeting to their heartbreaking farewell. Especially Bill actor Nick Offerman receives massive praise from fans for his interpretation of the character known from the Videsopiel original. However, he was not the first choice for the role.
Originally, a completely different actor was intended for the role of the maverick trapper Bill in the episode directed by Peter Hoar (It’s a Sin). British actor Con O’Neill was already officially part of the cast and would have worked with The Last of Us co-creator Craig Mazin for another time after the disaster series Chernobyl.
Con O’Neill vs Nick Offerman
Few months after the casting news however, it was announced that Con O’Neill had to leave the project. Nick Offermann stepped in as a replacement.
The reason for the exit is simple. The filming of The Last of Us clashed with the production of Taika Waititi’s pirate comedy series Our Flag Means Death. In it, O’Neill plays the right-hand man of the legendary pirate Blackbeard.
Con O’Neill was also most recently seen in the DC blockbuster The Batman as the head of the Gotham City Police Department, Mackenzie Bock.
It’s hard to imagine what The Last of Us would have looked like without Nick Offermann and Murray Bartlett. The recasting seems to have been a real stroke of luck. Not without reason, many fans already see a nomination for the duo on the horizon at this year’s Emmy Awards:
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