In 2020, The Last of Us Part 2 faced intense backlash, with Naughty Dog, director Neil Druckmann, and actor Laura Bailey receiving online harassment and even death threats. Five years later, Druckmann is preparing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet star Tati Gabrielle for the potential backlash that comes with leading a high-profile game.
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 has been in development for four years, and Druckmann has been open about its themes—particularly its exploration of faith and religion in an alternate historical timeline.
A Bold New Direction for Naughty Dog
During a March interview with 28 Days Later writer Alex Garland, Druckmann joked about the polarizing reception of The Last of Us Part 2. He acknowledged that while many loved the game, others strongly disliked its creative choices. Garland responded with a dismissive attitude, to which Druckmann agreed—but the conversation shifted to Intergalactic’s risky premise.
Set on a distant planet cut off from communication for centuries, the game follows a bounty hunter stranded in a mysterious world. Unlike previous Naughty Dog titles, players will be truly isolated, piecing together the planet’s history to escape. Druckmann emphasized the game’s deep narrative and immersive atmosphere, teasing that players will uncover a distorted, evolving religion central to the story.
Tati Gabrielle on Facing Criticism and Embracing Faith
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gabrielle revealed that Druckmann has been mentoring her on handling online vitriol. She referenced the experiences of 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.
Despite the negativity, Druckmann encouraged her to focus on creating something meaningful. Gabrielle, new to the gaming industry, is taking the challenges seriously, aiming to stay prepared without underestimating the potential backlash.
She also touched on Intergalactic’s themes, explaining that faith isn’t just about religion—it’s about belief in oneself, community, and purpose. The game’s narrative will explore these complex ideas in a sci-fi setting.
A Long but Promising Wait
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet isn’t expected until 2027, but Druckmann has already teased that the game is playable—and impressive. During The Last of Us Season 2 premiere, he hinted that the public has only seen a fraction of what the game offers, promising deep gameplay and an expansive world.
For now, fans can look forward to more reveals as development continues, while Gabrielle and the team brace for the passionate—and sometimes harsh—reactions of the gaming community.