HBO is officially expanding its prestige gaming portfolio, tapping The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin to spearhead a television adaptation of Baldur’s Gate 3. As first reported by Deadline, this project is envisioned not as a retelling of the game’s narrative, but as a direct chronological sequel, picking up immediately after the cataclysmic events of the 2023 RPG’s finale.
The series aims to explore the fallout of the Absolute crisis, introducing a blend of fresh faces and returning fan favorites. Mazin is set to write, executive produce, and lead the production as showrunner. Joining him in executive production roles are Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, and Hasbro Entertainment’s Gabriel Marano. To ensure the series remains faithful to the complex lore of the Forgotten Realms, Chris Perkins—the legendary former Head of Story for Wizards of the Coast—has been brought on as a creative consultant.
“After dedicating nearly 1,000 hours to the masterfully crafted world of Baldur’s Gate 3, being invited to extend the narrative established by Larian and Wizards of the Coast is a profound honor,” Mazin told Deadline. “I have a deep-seated reverence for D&D and the innovative way Swen Vincke’s team translated it to the digital medium. We intend to treat these characters and this setting with the love they deserve, and I’m immensely thankful to the team at Hasbro for trusting us with this legacy.”
Mazin also indicated a desire to maintain continuity with the game’s iconic performances, noting his intention to reach out to the original voice and motion-capture cast regarding potential roles in the live-action series. This follows the precedent Mazin and Neil Druckmann set during the production of The Last of Us. Francesca Orsi, HBO’s Executive VP of Drama Programming, expressed enthusiasm for the renewed partnership with Mazin, while Marano noted that fans have long clamored for a high-caliber adaptation of the Baldur’s Gate mythos.
While Larian Studios is not officially billed as a primary producer, CEO and Baldur’s Gate 3 director Swen Vincke has shared his perspective on the announcement. When queried on social media regarding Larian’s involvement, Vincke clarified that while his writers aren’t currently consulting on the scripts, he has held preliminary discussions with Mazin. “Craig reached out to visit the studio and chat. Based on our conversation, his passion for the source material is genuine, which is encouraging,” Vincke remarked.
Reflecting on the journey of the game, Vincke added: “It’s surreal to think a story that began in a modest hotel conference room has resonated enough to become an HBO production. We poured everything into making BG3 worthy of its name. The game’s various endings were designed to provide fertile ground for future stories, and I’m curious to see which path Craig’s team chooses to pursue. I’m crossing my digits that the narrative we’re currently weaving for Divinity eventually reaches similar heights.”
However, the announcement has sparked a polarizing discourse online. Some fans are skeptical of Mazin’s involvement following the reception of The Last of Us Season 2, while others are concerned about the “sequel” approach. Given that the game features dozens of divergent endings based on player agency, a TV continuation will necessitate the establishment of a “canon” timeline—a move some feel contradicts the spirit of choice inherent to the RPG genre. Adapting one of the most celebrated titles of the decade is undoubtedly a monumental task for HBO.
There is currently no confirmed production timeline for the Baldur’s Gate series, as Mazin is still focused on completing the final chapters of The Last of Us. In the interim, you can revisit our comprehensive review of Baldur’s Gate 3 or catch the visceral first look at Larian’s next project in the Divinity universe.
[Source: Deadline]
What are your thoughts on HBO taking over the Sword Coast? Does a sequel series work for a game built on choice? Share your take in the comments!
