Josh Peck’s Despicable Role in The Last of Us

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Josh Peck has shared insights about his appearance in The Last of Us, explaining his efforts to make a sympathetic portrayal out of his “detestable” role.

Fans of Drake & Josh had an unexpected treat during Episode 4 of The Last of Us Season 2, as the series’ actor Josh Peck made a surprising appearance in the episode’s gripping introductory scene.

In a different rendition, Peck portrays a FEDRA soldier who gives a heartfelt speech hinting at the harsh treatment of civilians within the Quarantine Zone by their comrades.

In simpler terms, the actor is set to make a short yet impactful appearance in this scene, and he’s recently talked about landing this role, along with rehearsing for the powerful speech he will soon recite. Be aware that there may be some spoilers…

Josh Peck immediately knew who his Last of Us character was

Josh Peck shares with Variety that the opportunity he received was simply an audition. Upon reading the scene, he felt confident he knew how to approach it. He sent it out, hoping but not really expecting a response due to its quality being higher than what he typically receives. However, when he did hear back, his excitement was overwhelming.

Peck further explains, “When you have powerful writing and a captivating monologue like this, it ignites an actor’s enthusiasm because they think, ‘There’s plenty for me to explore here. I get to exercise my creativity. I get to contribute and give the performance that’s demanded.’ These are the auditions that make you feel the most satisfied because you’ve given your all.

The quality of the writing in The Last of Us made me instantly form a clear perspective and decision regarding the character’s identity.

How Peck tried to “humanize” his character

After securing the part, Peck proceeded to delve into comprehending his character, a man who finds amusement in a soldier named Greenberg’s mistreatment of citizens within the Quarantine Zone, depicted as “voters”.

In this interview, the actor notes that war can lead individuals to acts and expressions beyond their usual capacities. He underscores the significance of understanding and relating to one’s characters, especially those who may be perceived as vile or reprehensible, to make them more relatable and human-like in portrayals.

As a fan, I found a profound connection with this individual when I had to make the story relatable by putting my own spin on it. You see, nothing in my life comes close to the intensity or horror of his experiences, but I could find parallels by sharing one of my favorite anecdotes with friends that still makes me laugh. This served as my starting point for understanding how to personalize this event, and remove its extreme nature, focusing instead on emulating what he does.

He’s chatting with his colleagues and friends, sharing a rather unfortunate tale. Another opportunity to empathize arises when he encounters his supervisor, Jeffrey Wright, who challenges him. He appears hurt and responds, “Hey, dude, this is just one of my favorite stories. Don’t we all get that?” Despite the complexity of the topic at hand, there are moments where I can make it more relatable.

Regarding the Greenberg character he’s discussing, Peck explains that he imagined someone from his personal life to bring authenticity to the scene: “Indeed, there’s a Greenberg in my life, and he’s aware of who he is. You don’t know him. He’s an ordinary individual, I prefer not to reveal his name. He’s quite eccentric.

To delve deeper into The Last of Us, explore the timeline where the story unfolds, discover the reasoning behind selecting ‘Tale on Me’ as a pivotal scene in the series, and uncover the symbolic significance of Ellie leaving coffee beans on Joel’s tombstone.

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2025-05-05 14:19