Gustavo Santaolalla and David Fleming Discuss Their Powerful Collaboration on ‘The Last of Us’

‘The Last of Us’ Composers Reflect on Blending Melodic Emotion with Raw Intensity

Although they didn’t meet until after Season 1 aired, Gustavo Santaolalla and David Fleming have forged a unique musical partnership on HBO’s The Last of Us, seamlessly blending their distinct styles into one cohesive soundscape that has defined the hit series.

Santaolalla, the Oscar-winning composer of Brokeback Mountain and Babel, brought his haunting, minimalist guitar motifs from the original The Last of Us video games. Fleming, an Emmy Award winner, contributed intense, atmospheric compositions that captured the emotional and action-heavy arcs of the series — especially in Season 2.

A Soundtrack That Reflects a Dual Perspective

“David really complements what I do,” Santaolalla told Gold Derby. “There’s an aspect of the show that needs his musical language more than mine.”

Fleming echoed the admiration, saying he was a long-time fan of Santaolalla’s work on Motorcycle Diaries and brought a deep respect for the original tone of the franchise when he joined the project. “I knew I wanted to create something that felt like a cousin to Gustavo’s voice — never clashing, always complementing,” he said.

Scoring the Shocking Moments of Season 2

The Season 2 finale shocked viewers by killing off Joel (Pedro Pascal) at the hands of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), a revenge twist that mirrored the games. For this emotional moment, Fleming chose silence over music, a technique inspired by Santaolalla’s own subtractive approach.

“The first version had more music, but we kept taking things out,” Fleming explained. “We asked: what’s the least we can do to feel something raw and real, not manipulative?”

This philosophy of restraint is central to the show’s musical identity. While Santaolalla focuses on intimate melodies, Fleming brings in pulse-pounding compositions for combat scenes and tension-filled sequences. The result: a deeply textured soundscape that elevates the storytelling.

Fans, Legacy, and the Power of Music

Santaolalla’s connection with The Last of Us spans over a decade. While his earlier fanbase admired his film scores and Latin albums, this project introduced him to a whole new generation.

“Young people started learning guitar because of this music,” he shared. “One girl told me she’s 21 now but has been a fan since age 10 because her dad played the game.”

He describes this phenomenon as one of the most moving parts of his career.

Season 2 Score Now Available

The Last of Us: Season 2 original soundtrack is now available on major streaming platforms. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the game or newly introduced via HBO’s series, the music of Santaolalla and Fleming promises a deeply emotional experience that enhances the post-apocalyptic world.

Source : www.goldderby.com