The Last Of Us’ Scariest Enemy Is Apparently A Sex Symbol
The actor behind The Last of Us' infamous Bloater explains how the HBO series has bizarrely turned the creature into a sex icon.
23rd Feb 2023 13:33
HBO
The Last Of Us’ Scariest Enemy Is Apparently A Sex Symbol
The actor behind The Last of Us' infamous Bloater explains how the HBO series has bizarrely turned the creature into a sex icon.
23rd Feb 2023 13:33
HBO
When you think of video game sex symbols, the likes of Leon S. Kenndy, Lara Croft, and even Daddy Kratos are near the top of the list. Chances are, you probably aren't making a bloodthirsty mushroom your video game crush... until now.
HBO's live-action The Last of Us has faithfully adapted the 2013 video game of the same name, and while there have been some wild swings away from the beloved source material, most of them have paid off. On your 2023 bingo card though, did anyone have the Bloater becoming a sex symbol?
The Last Of Us' Bloater Is Now A Sex Symbol
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Although its arrival was foreshadowed by an ominous rumbling the week before, the infamous Bloater appeared in The Last of Us Episode 5. Fans were shocked to learn the action scene was mostly practical, with the Bloater being played by a 6'6" actor from the UK.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, stuntman Adam Basil explained what life has been like since he stepped into the 40kg (6.3st) costume. Discussing the memes and GIFs surrounding the Bloater, Basil said, "He seems to be a bit of a sex icon."
He continued, "He's captured a lot of people's imaginations. Someone asked me if I'd come to their wedding I've had people sending me love messages. He really brought out something in people that I don't think even they knew they had. He's the big daddy mushroom, I think there's been a [meme]."
Despite the use of some amazing VFX, Basil reiterated his Bloater look was very realistic: "They dress me in goo and blood. The Bloater has hair sticking up and he's got fragmented teeth. Everything about him is very believable close-up. When you first walk on set, people will look around and they take a double look. Like, 'S---! What's that?'"
What Are The Last Of Us Enemy Types
There have been four enemy types in Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann's live-action series, but who's who? Up first is the starting stage of infection, known as Runners. As early as Episode 1, we saw these with the old lady in the Outbreak Day storyline.
Next, we have the Stalkers - the most common kind of enemy. These have the visible signs of fungus growing out of them, and you might remember the trapped one Ellie cut open in Episode 3.
Easily the most iconic are Clickers. They are blind due to the mushrooms eating away at their eyes, so are named because of the noise they make for locating enemies or each other. The tense Boston museum scene was our first glimpse of them.
Finally, there's the aforementioned Bloater from Episode 5. As well as the fungus forming a layer of armour that makes them stronger against bullets (RIP to Jeffrey Pierce's Perry), they have bursts of energy as they charge at you with their enhanced strength.
Following the Episode 5 massacre, there's every chance the Bloater will return to The Last of Us, and if not that specific one, there are sure to be others. Still, we doubt the Bloater's current sex symbol status means the same will happen for the Rat King king Infected type when it inevitably shows up in Season 2.
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
