Everything You (Probably) Don’t Know About the Most Anticipated HBO Series of 2025
After the overwhelming success of the first season, The Last of Us 2 is coming to HBO (and in Italy on Sky Atlantic and streaming on NOW from April 14, 2025), which promises to be even more intense, dark and controversial. Based on the cult video game of the same name by Naughty Dog, the new season will get to the heart of one of the most divisive stories in video game history. Here are some fun facts about The Last of Us – Season 2 that every fan should know.
1. Bella Ramsey and her physical transformation
To play the character of Ellie in a more adult, angry and revenge-thirsty guise, Bella Ramsey underwent intensive training: parkour, hand-to-hand combat, archery and even facial expressions to make the character’s evolution believable.
2. New LGBTQ+ Character in The Last of Us 2
The second season of The Last of Us introduces Lev, a trans character, thus offering the series the opportunity to delve into discrimination in the post-apocalyptic world parallel to that of our own. Lev is a young member of the Seraphites sect, a religious community that plays a central role in the second part of the game, and is one of the most complex and fascinating characters in the plot.
3. The special effects and makeup for clickers in The Last of Us 2
Clickers, one of the most iconic and terrifying creatures in The Last of Us saga, will return in the second season. The production worked hard to perfect the look and behavior of these creatures. The use of practical special effects and prosthetic makeup, rather than relying only on CGI, were chosen to give a more authentic and disturbing touch. Clickers are essential to keep the tension high, and the production has focused on making the monsters realistic but also psychologically disturbing.
4. The Last of Us 2 – Music and soundtrack
The soundtrack by Gustavo Santaolalla, which already contributed to the success of the first season, will return for the second season, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere. The subtle and poignant melodies will accompany the most intimate moments of the plot, while the tension will be emphasized by musical choices that will accentuate the violence and uneasiness. Music thus becomes a fundamental element to immerse the viewer in the emotions of the protagonists, just like in the video game.
5. The return of Ellie and Joel, but with new dynamics
The second season of The Last of Us explores in depth the evolution of the relationship between Ellie and Joel, who, although they appear as the central protagonists, face different challenges than in the first season. The trust that united them is tested, while Ellie becomes increasingly aware of the cruelty of the world around her. Joel, on the other hand, finds himself confronted with the consequences of his actions, especially after the events of the first game. This creates an opportunity to examine interpersonal bonds and conflicts in a new light.
6. A season with an even darker and more violent tone
As in the video game, the second season of the TV series The Last of Us will not spare its audience, showing a post-apocalyptic world where violence is the order of the day and the actions of the protagonists often lead to devastating consequences. The series will explore the theme of revenge and how it transforms people with greater intensity, with scenes that could be even more disturbing than those of the first season. The raw nature of these themes will also be reflected in the narrative choices, with moments of great suffering and loss.