The Last Of Us Viewers Spot Surprise Cameo In Latest Episode
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Fans of The Last of Us were quick to light up social media after spotting an unexpected cameo in the latest episode of the hit HBO series.
Actor Josh Peck made a surprise appearance in Season 2, Episode 4, catching many viewers off guard.
Why It Matters
The Last of Us has become a major hit following it's 2023 debut. While Season 1 racked up 32 million viewers overall—"the largest audience for an HBO and Max debut season ever," per Deadline—the Season 2 premiere episode outperformed the Season 1 premiere episode by 10 percent, the outlet reported.
The Season 2 reviews are also largely positive, U.K. television presenter Graham Norton saying he's never "read such good reviews for a television show."
Josh Peck arrives at the Teen Choice Awards at the Galen Center on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, in Los Angeles.
Josh Peck arrives at the Teen Choice Awards at the Galen Center on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, in Los Angeles.
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
What To Know
The episode features 38-year-old Peck as a FEDRA (Federal Disaster Response Agency) soldier in a flashback scene depicting the Seattle quarantine zone in 2018.
During the scene, Peck's character shares a darkly humorous story inside an armored military vehicle. He recalls an encounter with "voters"—a derogatory term used for people stripped of their right to vote—where another soldier named Greenberg violently assaults one of them. The story prompts Isaac Dixon (Jeffrey Wright) to explain the origin of the term, criticizing Peck's character for not understanding its significance.
The mood shifts when their vehicle is stopped by a school bus and approached by a group. In a shocking twist, Dixon steps out, identifies himself, and then throws grenades into the vehicle, killing the other soldiers, including Peck's character. He then turns to his remaining comrade, Burton, and chillingly says, "Now make your choice."
While Peck's cameo only lasts a total of four minutes, it had a lasting impact on fans.
"The second josh peck hit my screen i yelled "JOSH PECK?!?" that was the most unexpected appearance ever," one X user said.
"Josh Peck being on #TheLastOfUs was not on my bingo card," another wrote.
Josh Peck began his acting career as a child star, landing early roles in Snow Day and The Amanda Show. His breakout came with Nickelodeon's hit sitcom Drake & Josh, which aired from 2004 to 2007 and became one of the network's most popular shows. Since then, Peck has appeared in series including Grandfathered, How I Met Your Father, and Turner & Hooch, and recently made a cameo in the Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer.
Though his role in The Last of Us was kept under wraps, Peck had teased his involvement. A known fan of the series, he posted a TikTok sketch last week spoofing a therapy session after the shocking death of main character Joel (Pedro Pascal). In the video's caption, he hinted at his upcoming appearance, writing: "Oh and I'm officially allowed to say, episode 4, let's just say, you're not ready."
Meanwhile, in an interview with Mashable, Peck described his cameo in The Last of Us as a "pinch-me role."
The American TV show is based on the video game franchise, where the collapse of society has been caused by pandemic which induces a zombie-like state in humans.
What Happens Next
The second season of The Last of Us premiered on Sunday, April 13. New episodes drop on Sundays through Sunday, May 25, and viewers can watch the show on HBO or stream on Max.
The show has already been renewed for a third season.
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