The Last of Us series on HBO has once again paid tribute to its video game roots—and this time, it did so through a haunting and meaningful cameo. Ashley Johnson, who originally voiced Ellie in the critically acclaimed video game franchise, made a surprise return in Season 2 of the TV adaptation, not on screen, but through song. Her brief, poignant contribution created a powerful connection between the two mediums and left long-time fans deeply moved.
A Voice That Shaped a Generation
Ashley Johnson’s performance as Ellie in The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally resonant in gaming history. She brought Ellie to life not just with her voice, but through motion capture performances that captured the character’s complexity, rage, vulnerability, and resilience. Johnson became Ellie to an entire generation of players, and her work remains foundational to the franchise’s success.
So, when her voice resurfaced in Season 2 of the HBO series, it wasn’t just a callback—it was a reminder of where this journey began and who helped shape it.
A Haunting Song with Deep Roots in the Franchise
The moment came in Season 2, Episode 2, following the devastating aftermath of Joel’s death—an event that fans of The Last of Us Part II will remember well. The show features a melancholy rendition of “Through the Valley” by Shawn James, a song first introduced in the 2016 reveal trailer for Part II, famously performed by Johnson herself.
For this episode, co-showrunner Craig Mazin confirmed that the version used is a blend of Johnson’s original recording and a new, slightly updated performance. Her voice returns in the background as Joel’s body is carried back to Jackson—a solemn, symbolic moment that bridges past and present, game and show.
“I always loved the song,” Mazin said in a statement. “We have a connection to Ashley because she created Ellie in the game, and she plays Ellie’s mom [in Season 1]. In a moment like this, when your only parent is taken from you, the one you never met is there watching.” The dual layers of Johnson’s contributions—as both Ellie’s original voice and the actress who portrayed her mother in the HBO series—add an emotional weight that few cameos could match.
A Lyrical Reflection of Grief and Futility
The lyrics to “Through the Valley” echo themes of survival, vengeance, and hopelessness—all central to the world of The Last of Us. Mazin pointed out that every line in the song can be viewed as a contradiction of what’s happening on screen. “It’s like this hopeless prayer that we dashed to pieces,” he explained, underscoring the song’s bitter juxtaposition with Joel’s fate and Ellie’s pain.
Lines such as “I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” and “I know I’ll kill my enemies when they come” highlight the futility of vengeance in this world. For Ellie, these lines serve as a chilling foreshadowing of the emotional descent we know lies ahead. The result is a layered and emotionally rich moment that uses voice, memory, and music to connect the viewer with the franchise’s core themes.
A Seamless Blend of Game and Show
This isn’t Ashley Johnson’s first contribution to the HBO adaptation. In Season 1, she played Anna, Ellie’s mother, in one of the finale’s most emotional and personal scenes. That performance added real-world continuity between the actress and the character she helped define. It was a symbolic handing off of the role to Bella Ramsey, who has since carried Ellie’s journey forward on screen.
Yet Johnson’s reappearance—even just through song—signals that her presence in the world of The Last of Us remains essential. HBO’s adaptation continues to honor its roots while building something new, and Johnson’s contributions help ensure the emotional core of the story stays intact.
An Emotional Callback
Longtime fans of the franchise were quick to recognize Johnson’s voice in the episode. Social media lit up with tributes, praise, and gratitude for the subtle but powerful inclusion. For many, hearing Johnson again during such a pivotal scene was like hearing from an old friend at just the right moment—a reminder of the journey that started back in 2013 and continues to resonate today.
Her performance in this episode wasn’t about stealing the spotlight—it was about adding emotional texture to a scene already loaded with grief. And for fans, it served as a reminder of how important voice acting and sound design are to the emotional storytelling that defines The Last of Us.
Ashley Johnson’s Enduring Legacy
Ashley Johnson’s cameo may have lasted only a few minutes, but it left a significant impact. As the original voice of Ellie, her legacy within The Last of Us franchise is untouchable. From gut-wrenching scenes in the games to her now-iconic vocal performances, Johnson’s work has defined what it means to tell a story through voice acting.
Her voice has carried Ellie through childhood and war, joy and devastation. That voice still lingers, even as Bella Ramsey carries the torch on screen. It’s a testament to Johnson’s artistry that her presence—no matter how brief—can still deepen the narrative and connect generations of fans.
