The Last of Us: Hope Mural

Created by Humanity Art: Lys Glassford and Lauren Semple.

Project Overview
In 2025, Humanity in Art was commissioned by the City of Nanaimo to recreate the Hope mural, which was initially featured in HBO's The Last of Us (Season 2, Episode 4). The mural, designed by set artists to evoke post-apocalyptic storytelling, had captured public imagination and local pride during the show’s filming in Nanaimo, which served as a stand-in for Seattle.
Following the episode’s release, HBO granted permission and funding to preserve the mural as a permanent installation, recognizing its cultural significance and potential to contribute to downtown film tourism.

Execution Strategy
Humanity in Art worked from behind-the-scenes production images and mockups provided by the City. Using scaffolding to reach the original mural height and working around live power lines, the team recreated the design with meticulous attention to texture and wear.
The aesthetic leaned heavily into intentional aging, following visible roller marks and distressed paint cues from the original set version. For the central PRIDE lettering, the artists digitally rendered a match using archival photography, then cut stencils to retain fidelity to the broadcast mural.

Artist Selection
Humanity in Art was selected for their technical expertise, attention to detail, and lived queer experience. Both artists are known for their technical mural work and occasional roles as mural installation technicians. Their commitment to representing identity through art aligned with the City’s values and the spirit of the original mural.

Outcome
The recreated mural now anchors a prominent downtown wall and serves as a tourism feature. For residents, it offers a site-specific message of pride and hope. For fans of The Last of Us, it creates an opportunity for storytelling within a real-world location.