Since its debut, The Last of Us has become one of the most talked-about TV shows in recent memory. Adapted from the hit video game by Naughty Dog, the series combines emotional storytelling with apocalyptic horror in a way that keeps viewers glued to the screen. But beyond the infected creatures, heartfelt moments, and powerful performances, there are secrets that many viewers still don’t know.
Whether you're a superfan or new to the world of Joel and Ellie, these five shocking facts will change the way you see the show forever.
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| The Last of Us: 5 Shocking Secrets You Didn’t Know About the Series |
🧬 1. The Cordyceps Fungus Is Real—And It’s Terrifying
The horrifying infection that brings the world of The Last of Us to its knees is not entirely fiction. The Cordyceps fungus actually exists in real life and is known to infect insects, especially ants. Once infected, the fungus takes control of the insect's body, forcing it to climb high before it dies and spreads spores to other insects below.
In the series, this concept is stretched to imagine what would happen if Cordyceps evolved to infect humans. What makes it even more chilling is that scientists agree—this mutation is biologically possible, especially in a world impacted by climate change.
The first few minutes of the show, featuring a scientist warning of a potential fungal pandemic, was based on genuine fears voiced by mycologists. It wasn’t just fiction—it was inspired by real scientific concerns.
🎮 2. Every Detail Pays Homage to the Original Game
Fans of the video game noticed something instantly: the show felt familiar. That’s because the creators went out of their way to honor the game’s tone, environments, and even camera work.
Some of the most detailed nods include:
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Ellie’s joke book, which appeared in both the game and the series.
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Joel’s broken wristwatch—symbolic of his past—is nearly identical to the game version.
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The giraffe scene, a fan-favorite emotional moment, was recreated almost frame-by-frame.
Even the music in the series is composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, the same person who did the soundtrack for the game. His haunting melodies make the world of The Last of Us even more emotionally immersive.
For viewers who never played the game, these details may not stand out—but for gamers, they feel like whispers from the past, linking two powerful stories into one.
🎭 3. The Actors Were Told Not to Play the Game
One of the most surprising behind-the-scenes decisions was that Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie) were asked not to play the game before filming.
The reason? The creators wanted their performances to be fresh, authentic, and unique—not imitations of the original characters. While this may sound strange, it worked. Pedro Pascal brings a raw, fatherly energy to Joel, while Bella Ramsey gives Ellie a fiery, rebellious personality that feels new but faithful.
It also gave the series freedom to explore deeper emotional moments not shown in the game—especially with side characters like Bill, Frank, and Kathleen.
This choice added layers to the show that the game couldn't explore due to time and gameplay limitations. It’s a reminder that sometimes, not knowing can be a creative advantage.
🎥 4. Real-World Parallels Amplified the Fear
The show was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. That fact alone brought a strange realism to the project. The actors and crew were living through a real-world crisis, which brought emotional weight and urgency to every scene.
Think about it: a story about isolation, infection, and global breakdown was being made while the world was facing something eerily similar.
In many ways, the emotional performances from the cast—especially in scenes involving loss or survival—felt deeper and more real because they mirrored what we were all experiencing.
Even the silence in empty cities or the fear of the unknown hit harder because they reflected something we had all just lived through.
🧪 5. Ellie’s Immunity Might Not Be a Simple Gift
One of the biggest mysteries in The Last of Us is Ellie’s immunity. She was bitten but never turned. That immunity makes her incredibly valuable—but what if it’s more complicated than we think?
Some fan theories suggest that Ellie’s immunity may be the result of a rare mutation, and that using it as a cure could come with consequences. Could the cure kill her? Could it backfire? Could her mutated strain actually evolve into something worse?
These theories are not confirmed, but hints in the show (and developer interviews) suggest the creators are saving this twist for later. It’s one of the most important unanswered questions in the story—and one that could change the fate of the world in the show.
Conclusion: The Secrets Make It Deeper
The Last of Us isn’t just a survival drama. It’s a story of human emotion, impossible choices, and the thin line between hope and danger. The more we uncover its hidden truths, the more we realize how carefully crafted the series really is.
Whether it's the real science behind the fungus, the respectful nods to the game, or the emotional weight carried from a real pandemic, every layer of this show holds meaning.
So next time you watch Joel and Ellie’s journey, look a little closer—because some of the biggest secrets are hiding in plain sight.
Q&A
Q: Is the Cordyceps infection in The Last of Us real?
A: Yes, Cordyceps is a real fungus that infects insects. The show imagines what would happen if it evolved to infect humans.
Q: Did Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey play the game before filming?
A: No, they were asked not to, so their performances would be original and uninfluenced by the game.
Q: Are there any game Easter eggs in the show?
A: Yes, from exact props to replicated scenes and music, the show is full of hidden references for fans of the game.
Q: What is the mystery behind Ellie’s immunity?
A: Some theories suggest Ellie’s immunity could be more complex and potentially dangerous, making her both a hope and a risk.
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