Who Voice Acts Ellie in The Last of Us?
Introduction
The Last of Us is an award-winning action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog, released in 2013 for the PlayStation 3. The game follows the story of Joel and Ellie, two survivors in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a deadly virus. Ellie is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in gaming, known for her bravery, curiosity, and strong will. But have you ever wondered who brings this talented young character to life? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of voice acting and explore who voices Ellie in The Last of Us.
Haley Joel Osment – The Original Choice
Before Ashley Johnson, Haley Joel Osment was initially approached to voice Ellie. Osment is a well-known actor, perhaps best recognized for his roles in movies such as A.I. Artificial Intelligence and The Sixth Sense. Although he was the first choice for the role, he ultimately declined due to a busy schedule.
Ashley Johnson – The Final Choice
After Haley Joel Osment’s departure, the role of Ellie was offered to Ashley Johnson. Johnson is a talented actress and voice actress, with credits in TV shows like Growing Pains and The Help. She was chosen for her ability to convey a sense of youthful energy and vulnerability, which was essential for the character of Ellie.
Johnson’s Inspiration for Ellie
In an interview with IGN, Johnson mentioned that she drew inspiration for Ellie’s character from her own experiences as a teenager:
"I think I was around that age when I was playing the game… I was going through a lot of teenage angst and emotions, and I was struggling to find my place in the world. Ellie was going through the same thing, just in a much more extreme way… I think that’s what made me really connect with her."
Johnson’s Performance
Johnson’s portrayal of Ellie was widely praised by critics and gamers alike. Her voice acting brought depth and emotion to the character, making her relatable and endearing to audiences. The Last of Us became a critical and commercial success, in part due to Johnson’s outstanding performance as Ellie.
Awards and Accolades
Johnson’s voice acting work on The Last of Us earned her several award nominations, including:
- Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Voice Acting in an Animated Game
- BAFTA Video Game Award for Best Performance
- Golden Joystick Award for Best Storytelling
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ashley Johnson is the talented voice actress behind Ellie in The Last of Us. Johnson’s performance as Ellie was a key factor in the game’s success, bringing a sense of relatability and emotional depth to the character. If you’re a fan of the game or just interested in learning more about the voice acting process, we hope you’ve enjoyed this article.
Additional Reading
- The Last of Us Official Website: Learn more about the game and its characters on the official website.
- Ashley Johnson’s IMDb Profile: Explore Johnson’s extensive acting and voice acting credits on her IMDb profile.
- The Last of Us Wiki: Dive deeper into the game’s world, characters, and story on the Last of Us Wiki.
Timeline of Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Ashley Johnson is cast as Ellie |
| 2013 | The Last of Us is released |
| 2014 | Ashley Johnson wins Annie Award nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Voice Acting in an Animated Game |
Trivia
- Ashley Johnson recorded over 1,000 lines for Ellie’s character in The Last of Us.
- Johnson’s voice acting was so convincing that many players were surprised to learn that Ellie is not a pre-recorded video or cutscene, but rather a fully animated character.
- The Last of Us’s success was largely due to the strong bond between Joel and Ellie, which Johnson’s voice acting helped to establish.