The Last of Us craze is sweeping Nanaimo, as fans of the HBO TV series gathered just outside the set91Ƶs barricades downtown for the chance to catch a glimpse of the actors.
The series stars Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams as they navigate a world filled with zombie-like beings and a fascist military government that won91Ƶt hesitate to execute civillians who step out of line.
Ronin Broad works at the Courtyard by Marriott, just outside of the area where filming was happening Monday, May 13. He stepped outside for the chance to see Pascal.
91ƵI am [a Pedro Pascal fan], I mean everybody is. Isn91Ƶt he like, daddy? Isn91Ƶt that the thing? He91Ƶs Pedro Pascal,91Ƶ Broad said. 91ƵHe91Ƶs a humble guy, he91Ƶs real. I like that he91Ƶs open about his anxiety.91Ƶ
Broad was first introduced to the series through the video game in 2013, then the TV show, and said 91Ƶthe show91Ƶs different from the game, but I like it, it91Ƶs good.91Ƶ
READ MORE:
Another fan, Alex Zwick, visited downtown with her toddler for the sole purpose of trying to get a view.
91Ƶ[My toddler] doesn91Ƶt totally get why we91Ƶre here, having not seen the show obviously. So I tried to explain to her, 91ƵWe91Ƶre looking for Pedro,91Ƶ91Ƶ Zwick said. 91ƵHe91Ƶs been in Narcos, Game of Thrones, other shows we like, and he91Ƶs nice to look at, obviously.91Ƶ
Payton Kriska was on the Island visiting her parents from Alberta. When she found out they were filming here she said she 91Ƶalmost died.91Ƶ
91ƵI91Ƶm trying to see Pedro,91Ƶ Kriska said. 91ƵSpecifically Pedro.91Ƶ
She said her love of Pascal comes from not just his on-screen appearances, but also his interviews.
91ƵJust how humble and kind he is, but also hilarious. I91Ƶm in love.91Ƶ
The excitement has created opportunity for Ironworks Café and Crêperie, situated on Commercial Street at the edge of the filming area. Owner Dina Stuehler told the News Bulletin the café has had 91Ƶmore than double91Ƶ its typical sales and she doesn91Ƶt expect business to slow down until after production.
91ƵOne of my staff saw Bella on a horse. They have a horse downtown today,91Ƶ Stuehler said. 91ƵSo she got to see both the horse and Bella.91Ƶ
Filming was set to take place Monday and Tuesday, May 13-14, after weeks of set preparation.