PARK CITY, UT - JANUARY 23:  Actor Nick Offerman attends the Movie That Blew My Mind Goes Environmental Panel at Filmmaker Lodge on January 23, 2017 in Park City, Utah.  (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Sundance Film Festival)
TV - Movies
Nick Offerman's
Casting In The
Last Of Us Raises
Some Questions
About Bill
By MIKE WORBY
Fans immediately noticed Nick Offerman in the teaser for HBO’s "The Last of Us." Despite being commonly known for his comedic chops — most notably in the role of Ron Swanson — Offerman has been nailing dramatic parts for years, and his subtle talents will likely lend a more nuanced portrayal to this version of Bill compared to the one that appears in the video games.
When players first meet Bill, he is a gruff, curmudgeonly survivalist who just happens to be gay. Many critics have noted that LGBTQ+ representation has come a long way since the game was released in 2013, and think the series could flesh out the character far more substantially — most notably by allowing Bill's sexuality to be communicated more openly, and with more depth.
Given Offerman's history of portraying survivalists and his reputation for caring about his characters, critics wonder if Bill will get some vindication. It remains to be seen how Offerman will provide more dimension to the role in HBO's series of "The Last of Us," but viewers will no doubt be watching in droves to see how the long-simmering adaptation turns out.