Nick Offerman, widely recognized for his role in “Parks and Recreation,” has taken a stand against the homophobic backlash surrounding his appearance in “The Last of Us.” At the recent Film Independent Spirit Awards, Offerman clinched the award for best supporting performance in a new scripted series for his portrayal of Bill in the HBO adaptation of the popular video game. The episode titled “Long, Long Time” sees Offerman’s character, alongside Murray Bartlett as Frank, navigating a romantic relationship in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Despite the episode’s critical acclaim, it faced criticism online, with some directing homophobic comments towards it. In response, Offerman used his acceptance speech to address these negative remarks head-on. He stated, “When homophobic hate comes my way and says, ‘Why did you have to make it a gay story?’ we say, ‘Because you ask questions like that.'” Offerman emphasized that the episode wasn’t solely about depicting a gay relationship but rather a story of love transcending the confines of sexual orientation.
This isn’t the first time Offerman has confronted such backlash. In a previous interview with i News, he expressed his fascination with the blatant expression of hate and bigotry on social media platforms. Despite this negativity, Offerman remains committed to projects that promote inclusivity and decency, expressing gratitude towards HBO for producing programs that align with these values.
“The Last of Us” isn’t unfamiliar with controversy, particularly regarding its portrayal of diverse characters and relationships. Another episode of the series depicted a romance between two female characters, played by Bella Ramsey and Storm Reid. While Reid acknowledged the possibility of negative reactions, she emphasized the importance of telling authentic and diverse stories that reflect people’s experiences. She maintained that storytelling thrives on portraying the richness of human existence, even if it challenges certain viewers’ comfort zones.
The characters of Bill and Frank have roots in the original “Last of Us” game, albeit with their romantic relationship being less explicit. Neil Druckmann, co-creator of “The Last of Us,” explained that the subtlety of their relationship in the game was intentional to avoid controversy. However, he acknowledged that the portrayal of diverse relationships and identities is essential for authentic storytelling.
The video game series has faced its fair share of backlash, particularly with “The Last of Us Part II,” which features a prominent lesbian relationship and a transgender character. Despite the negativity, Ramsey, who portrays Ellie in the series, expressed confidence in the show’s ability to navigate these storylines sensitively. She asserted that while some viewers may choose to reject the show due to its representation of LGBTQ+ characters, it’s ultimately their loss as they miss out on valuable narratives and diverse perspectives.
In essence, Offerman and the cast of “The Last of Us” are unwavering in their commitment to storytelling that reflects the reality of diverse human experiences. They stand against homophobic backlash and bigotry, advocating for inclusivity and authenticity in media representation. As the series continues to push boundaries, it serves as a beacon of progress and acceptance in the entertainment industry.