Warning: This article contains spoilers fromThe Last of Usseason 1, episode 6.
Rutina Wesley was admittedly terrified to take on the role of Maria inThe Last of Us.
But the thought of playing a pre-established character from something so beloved as the original video game was daunting.
Rutina Wesley as Maria in ‘The Last of Us’.Liane Hentscher/HBO
Wesley’s Mariaarrives onThe Last of Uswith episode 6.
Not only that, Tommy and Maria are married and expecting their first child.
There are some notable differences to Maria and her settlement from the video games.
Rutina Wesley’s Maria investigates the arrival of Joel and Ellie on ‘The Last of Us’.Liane Hentscher/HBO
We learn she served as an assistant district attorney in Omaha, Neb.
Sometimes it’s not so great," Wesley says.
“I loved Maria, particularly because she’s a born leader,” the actress explains.
“She’s fierce and she has this calm stillness to her that I love.
She’s not gonna give you full-blown Rutina red carpet teeth.
She can ride a horse.
Maria’s pregnancy was another big touchstone for Wesley.
Maria cuts Ellie’s hair, but warns her to be wary of Joel.
“Be careful who you put your faith in,” she says.
“The only people who can betray us are the ones we trust.”
“It’s her instinct because she can’t help that fact.
Also I think that Maria is challenged by Ellie in a way that she secretly loves.
At the same time, Maria’s distrust of Joel isn’t a reflection of her feelings about Tommy.
“Hell yes, I’m excited,” she says.
“I’m looking forward to something if they decide to come my way.
I’m totally excited about that, because I did have fun playing with Gabe.
He’s really great.”
(Wesley often calls Luna “my Gabe.")
“This is enough where it is ‘cause it is a huge hit.
