Fans of The Last of Us games have long been familiar with spores as a key infection method, yet the HBO series waited until Season 2 to introduce them. Now, the showrunners explain why this was the perfect moment to bring this terrifying element into live-action.
How Spores Changed the Infection Rules
In the world of The Last of Us, bites and open wounds have always been the primary ways the Cordyceps fungus spreads. However, Episode 5 flipped the script by revealing airborne spores as a new threat. Showrunner Neil Druckmann mentioned that including spores required a strong narrative reason—and the latest episode delivered just that.
During the behind-the-scenes featurette, co-creator Craig Mazin explained that spores were always part of the original concept, but the team needed the right moment to introduce them. The hospital basement sequence, where Ellie confronts Nora in a spore-filled environment, provided the perfect opportunity.
The Horrifying Truth Behind the Infected
The episode’s climactic scene takes place in a decaying hospital basement, where fungal growths have overtaken everything. Mazin described how these infected individuals have been trapped for years, breathing in spores and exhaling more, creating a deadly cycle.
When Elise discovers her son among the infected, she faces an impossible choice—save him or protect the community. Druckmann noted that this moment contrasts sharply with Joel’s decisions, highlighting the brutal sacrifices some characters must make.
Why Ellie’s Immunity Matters More Than Ever
Nora assumes Ellie will succumb to the spores, only to realize her immunity makes her unique. This revelation adds another layer to Ellie’s character while staying true to the game’s lore. Interestingly, the show altered how Ellie reveals her immunity—instead of the game’s spore-based moment, the series used a bite during the subway chase in Episode 4.
New episodes of The Last of Us continue to air Sundays on HBO and Max, expanding the story with even more gripping twists.
Also read our The Last of Us 2 review.