Vancouver to be home base for 'The Last of Us' season 2
After the first season of “The Last of Us” generated big buzz and an economic boom for Alberta, it looks like British Columbia is next in line to host the production team.
Deadline reported Friday that the HBO series has picked Vancouver as home base for the next season, though it did not provide details on when filming will start.
In a statement, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said the city is "incredibly excited" to host the production.
“The Last of Us is one of the biggest productions ever filmed in Canada and one of the largest shows on television today," Sim said.
“The choice to move filming to Vancouver is a demonstration of our city’s continued strength in the film and television sector."
The post-apocalyptic drama is based on a 2013 video game, and was one of the largest film or television projects ever filmed in Canada when the first season kicked off in Calgary in July 2021.
HBO decided to renew the series, in which survivors of a pandemic try to save civilization, after airing just two episodes of the first season.
The New Yorker reported the budget for the season exceeded what HBO gave to each of the first five seasons of “Game of Thrones.”
According to a report out of Canmore, the town brought in $225,000 in net revenue after the show filmed there between Nov. 15-20, 2021.
Not only could Vancouver and surrounding areas stand to financially benefit from being the second series’ home base, the city would also get to host stars of the show Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
In recent interviews, the pair suggested filming for the second season could start at the end of this year.
The Vancouver mayor said he recently travelled to Los Angeles with the city's film commissioner, Geoff Teoli, and spoke with "several major studios and production companies" about opportunities in Hollywood North.
“Those meetings included representatives from Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Discovery overseeing HBO, two of the forces behind one of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows on television this year," Sim said.
“As we look to the future, I’m confident that we will see even more productions decide to make their home in Vancouver.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ukraine's fight for 'the future of us all,' Trudeau says on surprise trip to Kyiv
Canada will spend $500 million to help Ukraine's military fight Russia's invasion, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday in Kyiv, where he told the country's parliament they are in a battle for 'the future of us all.'
Russian cargo plane seized by Canadian government at Toronto Pearson Airport
A Russian-registered cargo aircraft that has been grounded at Toronto Pearson Airport for more than a year was seized by the Canadian government Saturday afternoon and could now be redistributed to Ukraine.
Air Canada passengers frustrated after tech issue delays, cancellations
Last week's technical issues at Air Canada caused delays and cancellations and left hundreds of Canadians stranded and frustrated.
Here's how some of Canada's wildfires compare in size to cities, lakes
Fires across the country are burning millions of hectares of land but what does that really look like? CTVNews.ca compared the blazes to some cities and lakes in the country showing just how big they have gotten.
Public inquiry into foreign interference 'has never been off the table': LeBlanc
Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc says a public inquiry into foreign interference 'has never been off the table,' following the sudden resignation of special rapporteur David Johnston.
Lawmakers shouldn't wait for unmarked graves report to act, Murray says
Ahead of the release of her interim report on progress as Canada's special interlocutor on unmarked graves at former residential schools, Kimberly Murray says lawmakers at all levels of government shouldn’t be waiting for her findings to act.
Unhealthy habits of university students could lead to future health problems
A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Preventative Medicine Reports by a group of international researchers has found that post-secondary students with unhealthy eating habits can go on to suffer from disease and mental health issues for years to come.
Three people charged in alleged abduction of N.L. teen after Amber Alert issued
Police in Newfoundland and Labrador say three people are facing charges following the alleged abduction of a 14-year-old girl.
Boris Johnson's bombshell exit from Parliament leaves U.K. politics reeling
Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson left chaos in his wake Saturday after quitting Parliament with a blast at fellow lawmakers he accused of ousting him in a 'witch hunt.'
Vancouver Island
-
Rain slows down Vancouver Island wildfire, detour route reopens
Rain overnight Friday provided some relief for a wildfire burning out-of-control near Port Alberni, B.C., as crews continue to battle the blaze that shut down the only paved roadway connecting the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island.
-
Vancouver Island wildfire expected to continue for 'several days' as highway remains closed
Wildfire officials are sending an additional 20 firefighters to help battle an out-of-control blaze that has burned more than two square kilometres of forest and cut off a major highway on Vancouver Island.
-
West Shore RCMP seek suspicious man seen near elementary school
The West Shore RCMP are asking the public to help identify a suspicious man who was spotted near an elementary school twice in the past few weeks.
Calgary
-
Canadian WW1 internment operations marked by new Calgarian Ukrainian monument
A memorial exhibit marking a dark part of Canada’s First World War involvement was unveiled in Calgary Saturday.
-
Alberta man charged after driving SUV through attached garage
A Linden, Alta. man has been charged after allegedly driving an SUV through an attached garage.
-
Investigators on scene of early-morning fire in vacant Bowness building
Police and fire crews are investigating after a structure fire at a vacant building in Bowness early Saturday morning.
Edmonton
-
'Get out now': Officials urge people in Yellowhead County evacuation zone to leave as fire tears through the county
"If you're inside this evacuation zone, you need to get out of here." That's the key message the mayors of Edson and Yellowhead County want residents to hear after an evacuation order was issued for the area on Friday evening as a result of a large wildfire threatening multiple communities.
-
Apartment fire causes traffic delays in Eastwood area
Drivers are being asked to avoid the area of 82 Street between 118 and 122 Avenues while crews fight a fire at an apartment building
-
Family fun at Edmonton Elks Fan Celebration Day
The Edmonton Elks held a fan celebration day on Saturday ahead of their home opener.
Toronto
-
Russian cargo plane seized by Canadian government at Toronto Pearson Airport
A Russian-registered cargo aircraft that has been grounded at Toronto Pearson Airport for more than a year was seized by the Canadian government Saturday afternoon and could now be redistributed to Ukraine.
-
'Do not consume': Health Canada recalls brand of frozen berries sold in Ontario
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for two kinds of Alasko brand frozen fruit due to possible norovirus contamination.
-
Toronto Raptors hiring Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic as new head coach: reports
Toronto is hiring Memphis Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic as its new head coach, according to multiple reports Saturday.
Montreal
-
'The battle isn't won': Next 48 hours crucial in Quebec wildfire fight : Bonnardel
The next 48 hours will be crucial in Quebec's wildfire fight in northern and western parts of the province, with rain forecast for Monday but warmer, humid temperatures expected until then.
-
A worker on a Quebec highway construction site was hit by a driver
A worker on a worksite on Highway 15 South in Mirabel was hit by a driver on Friday evening. He suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
-
Stakes are high to make festival season a success this summer, says a business leader
A leader in Montreal's business community says certain factors threaten to throw a wrench into this year's festival season. Chiefly among them is a labour shortage.
Winnipeg
-
'Things have been changing': Pembina Valley Pride standing up to hate
Hundreds of people gathered to show support after a small community experienced homophobic hate acts during Pride month.
-
Brandon Sportsplex Arena shut down due to ice plant repairs
Hockey and skating enthusiasts in Brandon will have one less rink to skate on for the foreseeable future.
-
RCMP close down highway for search warrant
Manitoba RCMP shut down traffic on Highway 9 Saturday morning as part of an ongoing investigation.
Saskatoon
-
'This is a spending problem': Saskatoon business leader calls for 'mid-management' job cuts at city hall
The head of Saskatoon’s chamber of commerce responding with frustration to the city’s announcement of a $75 million deficit over the next two years — and the tax hikes that will likely be needed to help makeup some of the the shortfall.
-
Sask. small business makes final list for national 'Tales of Triumph' contest
A Birch Lake, Saskatchewan business is one of 15 finalists in Canada Post’s Tales of Triumph contest.
-
Saskatoon man charged in child pornography investigation
A 25-year-old Saskatoon man is facing child pornography charges after an investigation by the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE).
Regina
-
In Pictures: The 2023 Queen City Pride Parade
The Queen City Pride Parade took over Regina's downtown Saturday afternoon, as thousands of rainbow-clad marchers showed their support for the rights and equality of the LGBTQS+ community.
-
Transplant may not be possible for Sask. girl who stole hearts on TikTok
A young Saskatchewan girl that stole the hearts of the province, and millions online, is back in hospital.
-
Ukraine's fight for 'the future of us all,' Trudeau says on surprise trip to Kyiv
Canada will spend $500 million to help Ukraine's military fight Russia's invasion, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday in Kyiv, where he told the country's parliament they are in a battle for 'the future of us all.'
Atlantic
-
Cape Breton tourism officials aim to clear the air after businesses impacted by N.S. wildfires
Although Cape Breton is hours away from the wildfires on mainland Nova Scotia, the head of Destination Cape Breton says some would-be visitors to the island have ended up with the wrong idea.
-
N.S. woman fined nearly $29,000 for outdoor fire as massive Shelburne wildfire burns
Police say a woman in central Nova Scotia has been fined nearly $29,000 for having an unsupervised outdoor fire in the midst of a provincewide fire ban.
-
New disc golf course headlines Shamrock Day in Saint John, N.B.
Disc golf lovers in Saint John, N.B., will no longer have to travel the province to play their sport. Shamrock Park now hosts a full 18-hole course for all to enjoy.
London
-
Protestors target Wortley Pride event, police step in as tensions rise
The second annual Wortley Pride festival was held on Saturday on the green in the village, drawing hundreds to take part in LGBTQ friendly activities.
-
'Tears were flowing': Rowbust Dragonboat Festival honours women who recently passed from breast cancer
Tears were flowing at Fanshawe Lake as the Rowbust drag boat team held a flower ceremony to honour those who have passed due to Breast cancer.
-
Loose dogs allegedly attack two cats in Central Elgin
OPP in Elgin County are investigating two animal complaints involving two dogs allegedly attacking and killing cats, police say the incidents may be related.
Northern Ontario
-
Someone in Ontario has an email telling them they've won $22M in a Lotto Max jackpot
Someone in Ontario will wake up to an email informing them they're $22 million richer.
-
Northern Ont. wildfire update, one new fire reported Saturday
There is one new confirmed fire in the Northeast Region as of Saturday. Here’s what you need to know.
-
Timmins Pride celebrates 10th anniversary with rally and parade
The annual Timmins Pride Rally and Parade in Timmins is celebrating a milestone -- its 10th anniversary.
Kitchener
-
Crowds celebrate Pride in Waterloo region despite security concerns
Hundreds of people turned up for the inaugural Pride street party in Cambridge on Saturday, while others packed Victoria Park in Kitchener for the Tri- Pride event.
-
OPP investigating two-vehicle collision southwest of New Hamburg
Debris from a badly damaged car could be seen scattered across a rural road in Oxford County on Saturday afternoon following a collision in East Zorra, near Tavistock.
-
Top-tier dodgeball tournament in Waterloo aims to attract new athletes to the sport
The Canadian Mixed Dodgeball Championships is being held in Waterloo at RIM Park this weekend.