Craig Mazin Bio, Age, Wife, Movies, Emmy, Chernobyl, Net Worth

Craig Mazin Biography

Craig Mazin is an acclaimed American screenwriter, director, and producer, born on April 8, 1971, in Brooklyn, New York. He earned a psychology degree magna cum laude from Princeton University in 1992. Mazin began his career at Walt Disney Pictures as a marketing executive before transitioning to screenwriting with the 1997 film RocketMan. He gained recognition for writing and directing comedies like Scary Movie 3 (2003), Scary Movie 4 (2006), and Superhero Movie (2008). His work on The Hangover Part II (2011) and Identity Thief (2013) further solidified his reputation in comedy.

In 2019, Mazin shifted to drama with HBO’s Chernobyl, a miniseries he created and wrote, which won him two Primetime Emmy Awards. He continued his success by co-creating and writing HBO’s The Last of Us, an adaptation of the popular video game. Beyond television, Mazin co-hosts the Scriptnotes podcast with John August, discussing screenwriting and the film industry. He is also involved in upcoming projects like a new Pirates of the Caribbean film and the adaptation of Borderlands. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Melissa, and their two children.

Craig Mazin Age

How old is Craig Mazin?

Craig Mazin was born on April 8, 1971, in Brooklyn, New York. As of May 2025, he is 54 years old. He grew up in Staten Island and later moved to Marlboro Township, New Jersey.

Craig Mazin Wife

Craig is married to Melissa Mazin. They have two children together. Melissa actively participates in community initiatives and has served as president of the La Cañada Junior Women’s Club. The couple resides in La Cañada, California, where they contribute to local educational and civic activities. Melissa often accompanies him to industry events, including the 2024 HBO Post-Emmy Reception. Their daughter, Jessica Mazin, showcased her talent by performing a Depeche Mode cover in The Last of Us series. Craig and Melissa maintain a balance between their professional commitments and family life. Their partnership reflects a shared dedication to both the entertainment industry and community service.

Craig Mazin Movies and Tv Shows

Craig is known for both comedic and dramatic works. He began his career in comedy before transitioning to acclaimed dramas.

Film:

• RocketMan (1997) – Writer
• Senseless (1998) – Writer
• Scary Movie 3 (2003) – Writer
• Scary Movie 4 (2006) – Writer
• Superhero Movie (2008) – Writer, Director
• The Hangover Part II (2011) – Writer
• The Hangover Part III (2013) – Writer
• Identity Thief (2013) – Writer
• The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016) – Writer
• Dune: Part Two (2024) – Additional Literary Material
• Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie (2026) – Writer

Television:

• Chernobyl (2019) – Creator, Writer, Executive Producer
• Mythic Quest (2021) – Writer, Consulting Producer (Episode: “Backstory!”)
• The Last of Us (2023–present) – Co-creator, Writer, Director, Executive Producer

Mazin’s work spans genres from comedy to intense drama, showcasing his versatility in storytelling.

Craig Mazin Daughter

Mazin’s daughter, Jessica Mazin, is an emerging singer-songwriter who has begun to make her mark in the music industry. In 2023, she recorded a haunting cover of Depeche Mode’s “Never Let Me Down Again” for HBO’s The Last of Us. This rendition played during the end credits of Episode 6, adding emotional depth to the scene. Craig, co-creator of the series, selected Jessica’s version to echo the character Ellie’s perspective through a female voice . Beyond this cover, Jessica has released original music, including her song “The Devil,” showcasing her talent and individuality . Her involvement in The Last of Us highlights the creative synergy within the Mazin family. Jessica continues to develop her musical career, blending her unique voice with thoughtful songwriting.

Craig Mazin The Last of Us

Craig Mazin co-created HBO’s The Last of Us alongside Neil Druckmann, adapting the acclaimed video game series into a compelling television drama. Premiering in January 2023, the first season closely followed the original game’s narrative, focusing on the bond between Joel and Ellie. Mazin’s writing emphasized emotional depth, exploring themes of survival and human connection. The series received critical acclaim, earning multiple Emmy nominations. Season 2, which began airing in April 2025, delves into the events of The Last of Us Part II. Mazin wrote the first five episodes and co-wrote the final two, continuing to prioritize character-driven storytelling over action sequences. The season introduces new characters, including Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, and explores complex themes such as revenge and forgiveness. Notably, the season is shorter, comprising seven episodes, and is set to conclude on May 25, 2025 .

Craig Mazin Dune

Mazin known for Chernobyl and The Last of Us, contributed to the script of Dune: Part Two.
Director Denis Villeneuve brought Mazin on board to help enhance the screenplay’s dialogue and emotional weight. Mazin worked on the script for about a month, focusing on improving character dynamics and scene transitions. He received credit for “Additional Literary Material” alongside other contributing writers. Although he wasn’t the primary writer, his impact helped elevate the film’s storytelling. Dune: Part Two premiered in March 2024 and became a critical and box office success.
The film expanded the epic story of Paul Atreides with deeper emotional layers. Mazin’s experience in character-driven drama made him a valuable collaborator on this science fiction sequel. His writing style complemented the film’s balance of grand visuals and intimate storytelling.

Craig Mazin’s Reddit

Craig Mazin actively engages with the Reddit community, especially on r/Screenwriting. He shares valuable screenwriting insights and advice. In March 2014, he hosted an AMA (Ask Me Anything), answering questions about his career and writing process. Mazin emphasizes character-driven storytelling over strict structural formulas. He believes structure stems from a character’s relationship with the story’s central conflict. Besides Reddit, Mazin co-hosts the popular Scriptnotes podcast with John August. The podcast covers screenwriting tips, industry trends, and interviews with experts. Through Reddit and Scriptnotes, Mazin mentors aspiring writers and promotes a deeper understanding of screenwriting craft.

Craig Mazin Bordelands

Craig was initially credited as a co-writer for the 2024 film adaptation of Borderlands, directed by Eli Roth. However, he later distanced himself from the project. Specifically, in June 2023, he removed his name from the film’s credits. Meanwhile, the Writers Guild of America listed a pseudonym instead, but Mazin denied using it. Additionally, the film underwent multiple rewrites and reshoots, with several writers contributing to the screenplay. Despite a star-studded cast, the movie received mostly negative reviews and underperformed at the box office. Ultimately, Mazin’s experience highlights the challenges in adapting video games for film.

Craig Mazin Chernobyl

Craig Mazin is best known for creating the acclaimed HBO miniseries Chernobyl (2019). The series dramatizes the 1986 nuclear disaster in Soviet Ukraine. Mazin conducted extensive research to ensure historical accuracy and authentic storytelling. He focused on the human impact and systemic failures that caused the catastrophe. Chernobyl received critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and atmosphere. The series won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series. This project marked a major turning point in Mazin’s career, proving his skill in dramatic, fact-based storytelling.

Craig Mazin Podcast|Scriptnotes

Craig Mazin co-hosts the Scriptnotes podcast with screenwriter John August. Launched in 2011, the show offers insights into screenwriting and the film industry. Each week, they discuss topics like story structure, character development, and the business of writing. The podcast features interviews with industry professionals, providing listeners with diverse perspectives. Episodes are available for free, with additional content accessible through a premium subscription. Scriptnotes has become a valuable resource for aspiring and established screenwriters alike. Mazin’s engaging discussions make complex topics accessible and entertaining.

Craig Mazin Ted Cruz

Craig Mazin and Ted Cruz were college roommates at Princeton University in the late 1980s. Mazin has been openly critical of Cruz, describing him as a “nightmare of a human being.” He attributes his disdain primarily to Cruz’s personality rather than his political views. Mazin’s comments have been widely reported and discussed in various media outlets. Their strained relationship has been a subject of public interest, especially during Cruz’s political career.

Craig Mazin’s Weightloss

Craig Mazin has recently undergone a notable physical transformation. Observers have remarked on his significant weight loss, particularly highlighting his appearance at public events and on social media platforms. For instance, a Reddit user commented on his improved appearance, stating, “Man kudos to Craig for losing so much weight, dude looks great!” Similarly, a Twitter user noted, “Craig Mazin has lost a lotta weight. #TheLastOfUs.” These observations suggest that Mazin’s weight loss has become a topic of public interest.

Craig Mazin Neil Druckmann

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann co-created HBO’s acclaimed series The Last of Us, adapting the 2013 video game into a compelling television drama. Mazin, known for Chernobyl, brought his storytelling expertise, while Druckmann, the original game’s writer and creative director, ensured the series remained faithful to its source material. Their collaboration has been praised for its emotional depth and character-driven narrative. The series has garnered critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards, solidifying their partnership as a benchmark in video game adaptations.

Craig Mazin Game of Thrones

Craig Mazin played a pivotal role in salvaging the original Game of Thrones pilot. The initial version, directed by Tom McCarthy, was deemed a disaster by showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. They screened it for friends, including Mazin, who bluntly stated, “You guys have a massive problem.” Following his feedback, they reshot approximately 90% of the pilot, recast key roles, and brought in a new director. Mazin later described the transformation as “the biggest rescue in Hollywood history,” highlighting the dramatic improvement in the final product.

Craig Mazin Bella Ramsey

Craig Mazin and Bella Ramsey share a close professional relationship, especially through their work on HBO’s The Last of Us. Mazin, the series’ co-creator and showrunner, praised Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie. He said her emotionally intense performance in Season 2 deeply impressed him. Their bond extends beyond the screen. Ramsey has also praised Mazin for his supportive direction and realistic expectations during filming. This mutual respect creates a creative environment where both feel valued. Their collaboration significantly contributes to the series’ critical acclaim and success.

Craig Mazin Emmy

Craig Mazin is a two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner. He received the award for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series for Chernobyl in 2019. Additionally, in 2024, he won Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for The Last of Us episode “Long, Long Time” . These accolades underscore his exceptional storytelling skills in both limited and ongoing series. His work continues to set a high standard in television writing. His recognition reflects the industry’s appreciation for his impactful narratives.

Craig Mazin’s Twitter

Craig Mazin, renowned for his work on Chernobyl and The Last of Us, has been an active presence on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). His handle, @clmazin, was previously verified and featured his professional roles and affiliations. However, as of recent reports, the account appears to be inactive or deleted, displaying a message stating, “This account doesn’t exist.” This change has led to speculation among fans and industry followers about the reasons behind the account’s removal.

Craig Mazin Net Worth

Craig Mazin’s net worth is estimated at $30 million as of 2025. His success as a writer, producer, and director fuels this. Notably, his acclaimed work on HBO’s Chernobyl and The Last of Us greatly contributes to his wealth. Additionally, his film projects and Scriptnotes podcast add to his earnings.