The Last Of Us Took A Very 'Careful' Approach To Its Video Game Easter Eggs

HBO's "The Last of Us" is an adaptation of a video game, so easter eggs were practically inevitable. Whether adapting a video game, a comic book, or some other form of media, movies and television shows can't help but throw in references for those who are fans of the source material. One that comes to mind is Sony's adaptation of "Uncharted," which gave Nolan North, the voice and motion capture actor for Nathan Drake in the games, a small cameo for fans to point out and enjoy. 

While "The Last of Us" adaptation has done something similar in casting Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson in new roles, other easter eggs might prove a bit more complicated, given the somber and intense themes of "The Last of Us." Throwing in a wink and nod easter egg for those who played the video game would feel out of place in a series this intimate and character-driven. Thankfully, the team behind the series fundamentally understood the game and the aspects that made it compelling. For HBO's "The Last of Us," easter eggs would only become possible if they also served the story in a way that has more emotional resonance than just acknowledging the games that came before it.

In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Craig Mazin was asked about which easter egg he was most proud of out of the many that are strewn throughout the show. Unfortunately, Mazin was quick to say that he'd rather not give any away as that would defeat the point of easter eggs. However, the co-creator of the series did want to discuss the driving philosophy behind whatever easter eggs they did decide on using. For Mazin, it was never about the exclusivity for people who played the game:

"Everything needed to have resonance for people that don't understand that they're nods to the game. So we picked, and we chose carefully, but always looking for things, always looking for opportunities to reward people ... Because it's love. That's the thing. I love the game, and they love the game. We want to take care of them even as we're bringing this to a whole new audience of people that don't know the game."

It's hard for an easter egg in any sort of medium able to convey the love for what came before while also striking an emotional chord with those unfamiliar with the source material. On almost every level, HBO's "The Last of Us" seems to be a project that will break the "video game curse," thanks to its passion for the world and story of the game. The "careful" approach Mazin and other creatives took with their tributes to the PS3 title may very well set a new standard for future video game adaptations that will undoubtedly strive for the critical acclaim this series has already received.

"The Last of Us" premieres Sunday, January 15, 2023 on HBO.