HBO Max is making history this spring with the announcement that The Last of Us HBO series Season 2 will debut with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation—marking the first time an HBO Original series has launched with this inclusive format. This groundbreaking step in ASL accessibility for the deaf community begins April 13, 2025, with new episodes of the popular post-apocalyptic drama streaming weekly.
In addition, Season 1 of this acclaimed video game adaptation will be re-released with ASL interpretation beginning March 31, giving both new and returning fans the opportunity to experience the series in an accessible, immersive way. This move represents a significant advancement in inclusive entertainment and deaf representation on the Max streaming platform.
👐 A Landmark in Streaming Accessibility
The ASL editions are performed by Daniel Durant and Leila Hanaumi, two renowned Deaf actors celebrated for advancing representation in entertainment. These talented ASL performers bring a new dimension to the show’s storytelling:
- Durant, known for his breakout role in CODA, brings a dynamic, expressive energy to ASL storytelling.
- Hanaumi, who also directed the ASL version of The Last of Us Season 1, is a multi-hyphenate performer/director affiliated with Deaf Austin Theatre.
The duo previously worked together on the ASL version of Barbie, the first film on Max to include this accessibility feature, further cementing their roles as pioneers in inclusive streaming experiences.
“With ASL” Titles: A Dedicated Streaming Hub
HBO Max will now feature ASL-supported content under a dedicated “With ASL” category, complete with unique key art marked with a sign language badge. This sits alongside the platform’s broader range of accessibility tools, including:
- Closed captions
- Audio descriptions
- Screen reader compatibility
- Text magnification
- Keyboard navigation
- High-contrast display options
“This debut brings the show to life in an authentic and fully accessible way for the deaf audience,” said Naomi Waibel, SVP of Global Product Management at Warner Bros. Discovery.
From Gaming Milestone to Inclusive Masterpiece
Adapted from the award-winning PlayStation game by Naughty Dog, The Last of Us follows Joel and Ellie, two survivors navigating a devastated, post-apocalyptic America. The series has earned acclaim for its emotional depth, world-building, and intense character arcs.
Season two is expected to adapt major plotlines from The Last of Us Part II, expanding both the narrative and character development—now with the added dimension of ASL interpretation, further enhancing the show’s commitment to inclusive entertainment.
👥 Behind the Scenes
The series is a co-production between Sony Pictures Television and HBO, in collaboration with:
- PlayStation Productions
- Word Games
- Mighty Mint
- Naughty Dog
Executive producers include Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, Carolyn Strauss, Halley Gross, and Jacqueline Lesko, among others.
Accessibility with Impact
The Last of Us joins a growing list of HBO Max titles—including Barbie, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire—that now offer ASL interpretation as part of the platform’s inclusivity mandate. This initiative represents a significant step forward in making popular content accessible to the Deaf culture and wider audience.
“We are thrilled to expand our ASL program and debut our first HBO Original series in ASL,” said Waibel. “Our mission is to make content that everyone can experience—fully, and equally.”
Key Dates:
- March 31, 2025: The Last of Us Season 1 re-releases with ASL
- April 13, 2025: Season 2 premieres weekly with ASL versions
This groundbreaking move by HBO Max not only enhances the viewing experience for the deaf community but also sets a new standard for inclusive streaming experiences across the entertainment industry. By incorporating ASL signs and interpretation into one of their most popular series, HBO Max is paving the way for more deaf representation in mainstream media and ensuring that the thrilling world of The Last of Us is accessible to all viewers.
