Here’s why The Last of Us kid’s clicker was so compelling

Entertainment

Practical effects can still be a level higher.

Viewers were exposed to a particularly terrifying child clicker in Episode 5 of HBO’s The Last of Us, and some unexpected information reveals why the creature was particularly pesky.

In an interview with the show’s prosthetics designer, Barrie Gower, published by Variety on February 10, it was revealed that this prepubescent mushroom monster was played by the real-life nine-year-old contortionist. The young actor named Skye Cowton was able to give the clicker child more realistic movements, whether it was making its way through a car window or twisting and moving its limbs in ways that would otherwise be impossible for most people.

This allowed for greater use of practical effects when her clicker appeared on screen, leading to some of the more chilling set pieces from the episode’s climax.

It’s also worth noting that the child actress was able to perform her stunts and moves while covered in makeup and prosthetics that made her look infected. As Gower explains, all of the clickers were adorned with special prosthetics that had openings for the actors’ eyes. These openings were filled with additional prosthetics for close-up shots, which Cowton had to deal with on most of her shots.

It’s an interesting tidbit and further proof that the show is focused on adapting and improving as many details from the show as possible. As demonstrated in a recent video, the showrunners have worked to ensure that the world of The Last of Us feels as alive and true to the original game’s ideas as possible.

HBO’s The Last of Us currently airs every Sunday at 6:00 p.m. PST and 9:00 p.m. EST on HBOMax. For more information on the series, see the related articles below.

[Source: Variety]