Josh Peck's Explosive Cameo on "The Last of Us" Has Fans Talking — Here's Everything You Missed
Talk about unexpected! Josh Peck — yes, that Josh Peck from Nickelodeon’s “Drake and Josh” — popped up in the fourth episode of HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2, and even though his screen time was short, his presence made a serious impact.
Peck’s cameo hit viewers right from the jump. The episode opened with a flashback featuring his character — a FEDRA soldier, suited up and cracking an off-color joke with his crew. But just as you're settling in, boom! The entire squad is wiped out in a fiery tank explosion. Peck’s moment was brief but definitely unforgettable. Fans were left reeling, not just from the surprise death, but from seeing the former child star in a gritty, post-apocalyptic world.
Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting.
Josh took to Instagram shortly after the episode aired to share his excitement about the whole thing. He admitted it was tough keeping the secret, especially for a show he clearly loves. “It was an honor to play a small part in one of my favorite shows, with one of my favorite actors ever,” Peck wrote. Along with his caption, he posted a series of behind-the-scenes photos — including a killer shot of him on set with the legendary Jeffrey Wright.
And speaking of Jeffrey Wright — this episode marked his first on-screen appearance this season as Isaac, the quietly intense leader of a massive militia group. Fans of the video game will recognize Isaac immediately; Wright voiced him in the original series and is now bringing that powerful energy to the live-action version. Seeing Wright and Peck sharing screen time? It’s the kind of crossover no one saw coming, but everyone loved.
Behind the scenes, the casting choice came with some real strategy. Director Kate Herron — known for her work on Loki — opened up in an interview with Entertainment Weekly about how Josh ended up in the role. “We had people read [for the part], obviously. Josh’s read came in, and Josh is fantastic. We were like, ‘We need to get Josh,’” she said.
And here’s the kicker — she compared the surprise to Drew Barrymore’s iconic fake-out in Scream. “I love the idea we get to Drew Barrymore him in ‘Scream.’ People just wouldn’t see it coming.” And let’s be honest, they didn’t. Fans were totally caught off guard by the Nickelodeon vet showing up — and then getting blown up in minutes.
A Nickelodeon Kid in a Gritty Apocalypse?
Yeah, we didn’t have that on our 2025 bingo cards. But that’s part of what made Peck’s appearance so memorable. For many, Josh is forever linked to goofy teen sitcoms and funny internet videos. So seeing him drop into the raw, emotionally heavy world of The Last of Us was a total curveball — and we mean that in the best way.
It also shows just how much range Peck has developed over the years. He’s been quietly building a diverse résumé, moving from comedy to drama, popping up in films, streaming projects, and now — boom — HBO prestige drama. This cameo might have been short, but it said a lot about where he’s headed professionally.
Some Fun Facts You Might've Missed:
-
Josh’s death scene? Practical effects were used to stage the tank explosion. That blast wasn’t just CGI magic — it was a carefully choreographed stunt scene.
-
FEDRA Backstory: FEDRA, the Federal Disaster Response Agency, plays a big role in the show’s post-pandemic universe. They’re often portrayed as ruthless and authoritarian — and Josh’s character had clearly bought into the system.
-
The Flashback Angle: By using a flashback to kick off the episode, the show added even more weight to the present-day story — showing us just how dangerous the world still is.
-
Wright's Return: Fans had been waiting for Isaac’s live-action debut, and having him appear in the same episode as Josh’s surprise role made it feel extra special.
Now let’s talk fan reaction — because Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram lit up the second the episode aired.
“Was that JOSH PECK in #TheLastOfUs???”
“Nickelodeon star in a dystopian nightmare? What is happening right now.”
“Didn’t expect to see Josh just to lose him in 2 mins 😭😭😭”
It’s clear the cameo struck a chord. While some were shocked by how quick his character got the axe, others applauded the show for pulling a bold move — and casting someone you wouldn’t expect. That’s the kind of storytelling twist HBO dramas have become known for.
What’s Next for “The Last of Us”?
Episode 5 is set to drop Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, and as always, it’ll be available for streaming on Max. (Fun little media tidbit: HBO and Max, just like CNN, fall under the massive Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella.)
And if this season is anything like the first, we can expect more gut-wrenching storylines, emotional reunions, jaw-dropping losses, and — hopefully — a few more surprise cameos. Whether they’ll top Josh Peck’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment? That’s a high bar. But we’ll be watching.
Final Thoughts: Why This Cameo Mattered
In a world where everything leaks and spoilers are hard to avoid, Josh Peck's appearance managed to stay under wraps — which, honestly, is a feat in itself. That kind of surprise doesn’t just shock fans, it brings back the thrill of watching live TV. You never know what’s coming next.
And maybe that’s the biggest win here. Peck’s cameo wasn’t just a clever casting decision — it was a moment of fun, nostalgia, and total unpredictability wrapped into one explosive scene.
So here’s to more unexpected crossovers, more wild plot twists, and more moments that make us say, “Wait, was that who I think it was?!”
Login