If anything defined the first season of The Last of Us on HBO, besides its faithful adaptation of Naughty Dog’s video game, it was its emotionally charged atmosphere. And for the long-awaited season 2, that sensory experience is multiplied by the music of Gustavo Santaolalla, who returns with Mac Quayle to continue weaving a soundscape as devastating as it is beautiful.
Inspired by the events of The Last of Us Part II video game, this new television installment not only expands the story of Ellie and Abby, but elevates the emotional weight of each scene through compositions that breathe sadness, tension, and a melancholic beauty that has become a trademark of the series.
🎻 A soundtrack that evolves with the characters
Santaolalla, a two-time Oscar winner, has been able to translate his original work from the game into a cinematic language that fits perfectly with HBO’s narrative rhythm. In this second season, his music becomes more introspective, darker, accompanying the inner journey of the characters as the story is immersed in ethical dilemmas, revenge and redemption.
On the other hand, Mac Quayle provides the electronic and atmospheric component, bringing to life moments of tension, violence and emotional urgency, especially in key action scenes that mark a necessary contrast to Santaolalla’s somber calm.
📺 A sound bridge between videogame and series
Although the soundtrack is based on themes already known from the videogame, each piece has been re-recorded, adapted and re-orchestrated for the series. Far from being a simple copy, the music of season 2 is designed from scratch for the television medium, reinforcing a visual narrative that has already proven to be able to move even those who have never touched a console.
Tracks like “Longing “ or “Unbroken”, which already left their mark on the game, now return in extended, more cinematic versions that add new layers of meaning to crucial scenes between Ellie, Joel and the new characters that come into play this season.
🎧 Launch and platforms
The official soundtrack for season 2 will be released progressively after the broadcast of each episode on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and in physical format through the Mondo label, known for its deluxe vinyl editions for fans and collectors. The first editions will include exclusive artwork, composer’s notes and photos from the filming.
