Alright, fellow apocalypse enthusiasts! If you thought HBO’s The Last of Us was just a shot-for-shot remake of the video game, think again. The creators sprinkled a treasure trove of Easter eggs across every battered street and crumbling building. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good scavenger hunt, grab your backpacks. We’re going on a hunt for the coolest nods you might have missed!
🦒 The Giraffe Plushie: A Tender Preview
First up, let’s talk about that sneaky little giraffe plushie in Episode 2. It might look like just another dusty toy, but oh no — it’s a heartstring-tugging teaser! Fans of the game will instantly recognize it as a wink to one of the most beautiful moments when Ellie meets a real giraffe. It’s tiny, it’s adorable, and it hints that wonder can still bloom in the rubble.
📚 Savage Starlight Comics: Because Superheroes Never Die
Comic nerds, rejoice! The Savage Starlight comics pop up all over the series, just like in the game. Ellie’s obsession with these comics doesn’t just build her character — it cements her bond with Sam. Plus, the motto “Endure and Survive” hits harder when the world’s literally falling apart around you. So next time you spot a comic fluttering around in the show, know it’s not just background fluff.
🎮 Voice Actor Cameos: Like Hearing Ghosts
The showrunners didn’t just stop at props. They went full fan-service mode by inviting original voice actors to join the fun:
- Troy Baker, Joel’s voice in the games, plays the not-so-nice James.
- Ashley Johnson, the heart and soul behind Ellie, steps in as Ellie’s mother, Anna.
- Jeffrey Pierce, voice of Tommy, shows up swinging as Perry.
- Merle Dandridge basically time-traveled — she reprises her role as Marlene both in voice and live-action.
Hearing their voices again, but seeing new faces? Chills. Absolute chills.
🎵 Musical Throwbacks: Play It Again, Joel
Music lovers got their share of treats too. And we’re not just talking background noise.
- “Alone and Forsaken” by Hank Williams underlines Joel and Ellie’s grim road trip vibe.
- “Take On Me” by A-ha strums at just the right emotional note, teasing moments from The Last of Us Part II.
- “Through the Valley”, performed hauntingly by Ashley Johnson, adds an extra layer of heartbreak.
If these tunes didn’t wreck you emotionally, are you even human?
🐴 Meet Shimmer: Horsing Around in Jackson
Speaking of foreshadowing, let’s not gallop past Shimmer. In Jackson, Ellie gets introduced to a young foal named Shimmer. Fans will instantly know Shimmer grows into her loyal steed in Part II. It’s a small moment but absolutely dripping with future importance.
📰 Jennifer Aniston’s Apocalypse Cameo
Yes, really. While rummaging through the ruins in Season 2’s opening, Ellie finds a 2003 issue of PEOPLE magazine… featuring Jennifer Aniston! It’s a hilarious reminder that even at the end of the world, the “Rachel” haircut reigns supreme. Jennifer herself joked online, “Of all the things to survive the apocalypse.”
🎥 Curtis and Viper 2: Ellie’s Favorite Action Flick
You probably missed it if you blinked, but Curtis and Viper 2 sneaks into the series too. This fictional cheesy action movie is Joel and Ellie’s favorite in the games. Including it adds a warm dash of backstory that fans will absolutely devour.
🧙 Dawn of the Wolf: Teen Drama Gets the Apocalypse Treatment
Twilight fans, hold onto your sparkly vampires. The show lovingly parodies the franchise with posters for Dawn of the Wolf Part II plastered around abandoned malls. It’s silly, it’s meta, and it’s lifted straight from the game. Perfect teenage cringe, preserved for posterity.
🔥 Tess’s Lighter: A Naughty Dog Crossover
Blink again and you might miss another gem. Tess’s lighter isn’t just a prop — it’s a direct nod to Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series. That’s right! One small lighter connects two massive game worlds. Mind = blown.
🏋️ Ellie’s Joke Book: No Pun Left Behind
Of course, what would Ellie be without her cringe-worthy puns? No Pun Intended: Volume Too makes a faithful appearance in the show. Her terrible jokes break tension, earn Joel’s rare smiles, and remind us that even the end of the world needs a good eye-roller.
🧜🏼♂️ The Bloater: Big, Bad, and Brutal
In Episode 5, the Bloater rips onto the scene — massive, horrifying, and straight out of nightmare fuel. Fans of the game know Bloaters are no joke. They’re slow but devastating, wrapped in layers of fungus-y armor. HBO nailed the look, making gamers and new viewers alike scream in unison.
🐶 Greenplace Market’s Very Good Employee
Not all Easter eggs are grim or gritty. Some are just plain adorable. The Greenplace Market’s “Employee of the Month” wall features… a dog. This cute little nod mirrors a similar in-game joke where a pooch earned the title of Best Employee. 10/10, would promote again.
🎮 Mortal Kombat II: Arcade Dreams
In the “Left Behind” episode, Ellie and Riley stumble across a Mortal Kombat II arcade cabinet. Sure, it’s busted, but it sparks a moment of pure, unfiltered joy. Just like in the DLC, it’s a bittersweet reminder of the normal childhoods they never got to live.
🌍 And That’s Just the Start…
Honestly, we’ve just scratched the surface. Every abandoned building, every battered poster, every emotional beat holds layers of love for the fans. It’s clear HBO didn’t just adapt The Last of Us — they celebrated it. And for those of us still paying attention? The journey’s richer for it.
So, next time you rewatch (because we know you will), keep your eyes peeled. Who knows what other secrets are hiding in plain sight?
