'The Last of Us' actor Nick Offerman slams 'homophobic hate' on his episode after winning 2024 Independent Spirit Awards
American actor Nick Offerman, who appeared in the series adaptation of the zombie apocalypse video game The Last of Us, took a swipe at the “homophobic hate” on an episode that revolved around the love story of his character and a man.
Offerman just won best supporting performance at the 2024 Independent Spirit Awards for his role as Bill.
“Thank you so much. I’m astonished to be in this category, which is bananas,” Offerman said during his acceptance speech. “Thanks to HBO for having the guts to participate in this storytelling tradition that is truly independent.”
“Stories with guts that 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. It’s not a gay story it’s a love story, you asshole!’”
Offerman previously won an Emmy Award for best guest actor in a drama series.
In the episode “Long, Long Time,” viewers are taken 20 years ago when Bill meets Frank (Murray Bartlett) at the onset of the zombie outbreak. Ten years later, Frank becomes wheelchair-bound while Bill cares for him.
Frank, whose illness has no cure, tells Bill he wishes to die already. They get married and Bill gives Frank poisoned wine on his would-be last day.
But Bill is also having a poisoned wine, as he doesn’t see any reason to live alone.
The Last of Us revolves around Joel (Pedro Pascal), who is tasked to transport 14-year-old Ellie (Bella Ramsey) out of a restrictive quarantine zone. Joel and Ellie's attempt to escape eventually becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey, as both depend on each other for survival.
Its second season has started filming and will premiere in 2025.
