Jeffrey Wright is appearing in the second season of The Last Of Us HBO series, portraying the character Isaac Dixon. Wright previously provided the voice and motion capture for the character in the video game The Last Of Us Part 2.
Isaac Dixon serves as a key antagonist in the game's story. He is depicted as a former U.S. Marine who rose to power as the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front, known as the WLF or "The Wolves."
The WLF took control of the Seattle quarantine zone after leading a rebellion against the Federal Disaster Response Agency, or FEDRA. Under Isaac's command, the group implemented strict measures, including banishing former FEDRA associates and executing those who resisted their rules.
The HBO series introduces Isaac in its second season. The show depicts the WLF as an organized military force, a point highlighted in the third episode.
Jeffrey Wright reprises his role from the game for the live-action adaptation. This marks a transition for the actor from voicing the character to physically portraying him on screen.
Wright discussed his return to the role for The Last Of Us adaptation.
In the video game, Isaac prepares for a large-scale conflict with the Seraphites, a rival group. During the confrontation, he encounters Abby, a former WLF protégé, and is later shot and killed by a Seraphite member. His death contributes to the WLF's invasion failing.
The HBO series has already made some narrative changes compared to the game, including the WLF having dealt with a Seraphite-inspired group prior to the main characters arriving in Seattle. The showrunners have indicated the series will not extend beyond the events of the video games.
HBO management has stated the show is likely to conclude after four seasons. Showrunner Craig Mazin confirmed the series will not adapt the scrapped Part 3 game concept.
“It was fun to go back and revisit that character but do it in the flesh,” Wright said. “We introduce the character this season, we tell a little about his history, which is a little more than we see in the game.”
