Back in 2020, Naughty Dog faced intense backlash following the release of The Last of Us Part 2, with director Neil Druckmann and actor Laura Bailey receiving harassment and even death threats. Fast forward to 2025, and Druckmann is now preparing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet star Tati Gabrielle for similar challenges as she steps into the gaming spotlight.
Naughty Dog unveiled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet at The Game Awards 2024, featuring a stellar cast including Gabrielle as protagonist Jordan A. Mun and Kumail Nanjiani as Colin Graves. The game, set in an alternate historical timeline, explores themes of faith and religion—a bold choice given the divisive reactions to The Last of Us Part 2.
Crafting a World of Mystery and Isolation
During a March interview with Alex Garland, Druckmann shared insights into the game’s development, revealing it had been in the works for four years. He joked that after the polarizing reception of The Last of Us Part 2, the team decided to tackle another controversial topic: faith.
The game’s story unfolds on a distant planet where communication has been lost for centuries. Players assume the role of a bounty hunter stranded on this world, forced to uncover its secrets to escape. Unlike previous Naughty Dog titles, Intergalactic emphasizes isolation, immersing players in an unfamiliar environment with no allies to guide them.
Tati Gabrielle on Facing Criticism and Finding Strength
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gabrielle opened up about Druckmann’s guidance in preparing her for potential online backlash. She acknowledged the experiences of past actors like Laura Bailey, who faced harassment for her role as Abby in The Last of Us Part 2. Gabrielle herself has already encountered racist and misogynistic comments following the game’s announcement.
Druckmann’s advice was clear—ignore the negativity and focus on creating something meaningful. Gabrielle, new to the gaming industry, emphasized the importance of mental preparation, understanding that the gaming community can be both passionate and harsh.
Exploring Faith Beyond Religion
Gabrielle also touched on the game’s central theme of faith, explaining that it extends beyond organized religion. Faith, she noted, encompasses belief in oneself, one’s community, and the reasons that drive us forward. This layered approach aims to resonate with players on a personal level.
While Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet isn’t expected until 2027, Druckmann has teased that the game is already playable and shaping up to be something special. With its ambitious narrative and immersive world, it’s poised to spark discussions—and, inevitably, debates—when it finally arrives.