The Unearthly Chorus: Unmasking the Voices Behind the Clickers in The Last of Us

The horrifying, unmistakable clicking sounds that emanate from the Clickers in The Last of Us have become iconic within the gaming and television landscape. These creatures, grotesquely transformed by the Cordyceps fungus, are terrifying not only in appearance but also in sound. But who are the individuals brave enough to lend their voices to these nightmarish beings? The answer is that Misty Lee and Phillip Kovats are the primary voice actors responsible for the Clickers’ chilling vocalizations in both the original The Last of Us video game and the acclaimed HBO adaptation. Lee voices the female Clickers, while Kovats provides the growls, clicks, and guttural noises for the male Clickers. Misty Lee was also instrumental in developing the sound of the Clickers.

Delving Deeper: The Art of Becoming a Clicker

It’s one thing to voice a character; it’s quite another to become an inhuman monster through vocal performance. Misty Lee, in interviews, has described how she didn’t just record sounds; she actively collaborated in shaping the auditory identity of the Clickers. Imagine being in a recording booth, tasked with conjuring sounds that represent a horrifying stage of fungal infection. It’s a testament to the talents of Lee and Kovats that they created a unique and terrifying soundscape that has resonated with millions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Last of Us Clickers

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about The Last of Us Clickers

1. How did Misty Lee contribute to the Clicker sound beyond just voice acting?

Misty Lee didn’t just record pre-determined lines. She was integral in the conceptualization and development of the Clicker sound. The sound designers and voice actors experimented to find that unique voice to use in the game.

2. What is the difference between the male and female Clicker sounds?

The male Clickers, voiced by Phillip Kovats, generally have deeper, more guttural sounds, reflecting their physiology. In contrast, female Clickers, voiced by Misty Lee, often have a higher-pitched, more rasping quality to their clicking and vocalizations. The difference allows players and viewers to differentiate the two.

3. Why are Clickers called Clickers?

The name “Clickers” derives directly from the distinct clicking sounds they emit. This is caused by the fungal growths covering their heads, which forces them to navigate and perceive their environment through echolocation.

4. What makes the Clicker sound so terrifying?

The fear of the Clicker sound lies in its inhuman quality. The clicking and guttural vocalizations evoke a sense of pain, decay, and relentless pursuit. It plays on primal fears and instantly signals danger to the player or viewer.

5. How long does it take for an infected person to become a Clicker?

It takes approximately one year after initial exposure to the Cordyceps fungus for an infected individual to reach the Clicker stage. This is a late-stage transformation where the fungus has completely overtaken the host.

6. Are Clickers stronger than other infected types?

Yes, Clickers are significantly stronger than Runners and other earlier stages of infected. Their prolonged exposure to the fungus grants them enhanced strength and durability.

7. Do Clickers exist in real life?

While the Clickers themselves are fictional creations, the Cordyceps fungus is real. However, in reality, it primarily infects insects, not humans. The premise of The Last of Us hinges on a mutated strain capable of infecting humans.

8. Besides the Clickers, what other types of infected are there in The Last of Us?

The infected in The Last of Us include:

• Runners: Newly infected individuals who retain some semblance of humanity and are fast and aggressive.
• Stalkers: A transitional stage between Runners and Clickers. These infected are more cunning and will hide to ambush their prey.
• Bloaters: Heavily armored and incredibly strong, Bloaters are the result of years of fungal growth.
• Shamblers: Introduced in The Last of Us Part II, Shamblers release clouds of toxic spores.
• Rattlers: Another new infected type in the second game, these infected create nests and use a distinct rattling sound.

9. How do Clickers navigate, given their blindness?

Clickers use echolocation to navigate their surroundings. The fungal growths on their heads have rendered them blind, so they rely on emitting clicks and interpreting the echoes to perceive their environment.

10. Is there a cure for the Cordyceps infection in The Last of Us universe?

Despite the belief that Ellie’s immunity could hold the key to a cure, a definitive cure is never developed or found within the storyline of The Last of Us.

11. Why is Ellie immune to the Cordyceps fungus?

Ellie’s immunity stems from a unique condition where the Cordyceps fungus was already present in her system. This pre-existing infection somehow prevents new strains of the fungus from taking hold, rendering her immune.

12. Who voices Joel in The Last of Us?

Troy Baker voices Joel Miller. He delivers a compelling performance as the hardened survivor burdened by his past.

13. Who plays Ellie in the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us?

Bella Ramsey portrays Ellie in the HBO adaptation. Her portrayal has been highly praised for capturing the character’s strength, vulnerability, and resilience.

14. Is Joel deaf in The Last of Us?

While Joel isn’t deaf in the video games, he is partially deaf in the HBO series. The hearing loss is due to accumulated gunfire over many years.

15. Can Clickers infect others with their clicking sounds?

No, the clicking sounds themselves do not transmit the infection. The Cordyceps fungus spreads through direct contact with infected blood, spores, or tendrils. A runner spots Tess and instead of violently charging her as we’ve seen infected do before, it calmly walks over and gives her an open-mouthed kiss to allow tendrils of the evolved cordyceps fungi to pass into her.

In conclusion, the unnerving sounds of the Clickers, brought to life by the talent and creativity of Misty Lee and Phillip Kovats, are a crucial part of what makes The Last of Us so memorable. These characters are reminders of a world consumed by a terrifying pandemic. Their contributions highlight the importance of voice acting and sound design in creating immersive and unsettling experiences in both video games and television. As you continue to explore the world of video games and their educational potential, consider exploring the resources at the Games Learning Society. You can find more information about the organization and its mission at GamesLearningSociety.org.