How did the minds behind The Last of Us take inspiration from the games to create the murderous cult

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the creators of the HBO post-apocalyptic drama television series The Last of Us. It is based on the well-known Naughty Dog video game series and follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they make their way across a world that has been decimated by a fungal infestation.

Joel is charged with protecting Ellie, who could be the secret to humanity's survival, in the series, which takes place 20 years after the breakout. The staging, script, and performances of the show have won praise from critics. A second season was launched in April 2025 after the first one debuted in January 2023.

The Seraphites from the game were meticulously modified by the team behind The Last of Us for the television series. Barrie Gower, the prosthetics designer, and Ann Foley, the costume designer, developed realistic wounds and distinctive ponchos to portray the cult's tough surroundings. The Seraphites are presented early, providing mystery to their significance in the story.

More about the murderous cult in The Last of Us

The team behind The Last of Us worked hard to adapt the Seraphites, a violent sect from the video game, for the television series. They leaned on the game's original design to maintain the cult's image while adapting it for the live-action medium. Prosthetics designer Barrie Gower and costume designer Ann Foley were critical in making the Seraphites appear real and appropriate for the show's universe.

One of the most distinctive features of the Seraphites is their facial scars. In order to make the scars look realistic without taking away from the actors' performances, Gower and his team experimented with a variety of prosthetics before deciding on a more subdued scar type that closely matched the depiction in the game.

The actors were able to move freely while preserving the distinctive look of the cult because of the lightweight and delicate prosthetics. The performers wore ponchos made of sturdy, waterproof fabric, which Foley designed to depict the Seraphites' independence and harsh surroundings.

These ponchos were given an aged and used appearance to emphasize the cult's ingenuity. Additionally, Foley's crew painted Seraphite emblems on the clothes to give the group a distinct identity.

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The Seraphites are introduced sooner in the television series than in the game itself. In Season 2, Episode 3, the cult is revealed briefly, unlike in the game, where they emerge later. This early introduction adds intrigue to the cult and lays the stage for their significance in the plot.

Overall, the adaptation of the Seraphites in The Last of Us retains the core of the game while adding additional dimensions to their tale. The precise design choices serve to bring the cult to life and improve the ambiance of the show.

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