Shocking Fan Theory Sheds New Light on The Last of Us Part II Trailer

The Paris Games Week celebration kicked off with a really strong start for PlayStation fans. A wide range of announcements and details emerged from the showcase, including one closer look at the upcoming The Last of Us Part 2 title. The latest trailer was … brutal, to say the least. You can see our full coverage here, as well as the latest video below:

The latest sneak peek was intense and offered a closer look into the gritty narrative that fans of the first title can expect. Naturally because of the in-your-face display introducing new characters, fans began to speculate and one of those theories definitely seems like a plausible plot point.

The new trailer and what it means:

If you’re like us (and the thousands of others that were floored by the recent trailer), you’re probably wondering what the hell is happening. Naughty Dog, like the cheeky developers they are, didn’t help much with their frustrating video description: 

“At its core, The Last of Us Part II is still very much about Ellie and Joel, but for this reveal, we wanted to showcase several new characters that are integral to their next journey. We’re sure you have many questions after watching this scene. We’re also pretty sure that we’re going to see all sorts of theories about whom these characters are, where and when this scene takes place, and how all of this fits into Ellie and Joel’s next story. For now we’re keeping mum, but we’re excited to see what y’all make of this piece of the puzzle.”

Which brings us to the biggest question being asked on both the video itself and various other forums on the internet: Is that Ellie’s mom!?!

Ellie’s mom?

The trailer opens up with the woman in question hanging from a tree awaiting punishment for being “one of them.” It’s not really clear why that’s a bad thing, or what the actual crime was, but we do know that the events are dicey and for a trailer? Oddly edge-of-your-seat. Though the trailer itself didn’t divulge any specific information into who or what she is, the fans have spoken and according to them – it’s Anna … Ellie’s mom. 

Anna died giving birth to Ellie, the prominent figure in the first Last of Us. Though we never actually saw Anna in the game means very little, she was a huge focus on Ellie’s narrative. It’s more than just wishful thinking though that has many wondering if we could finally be seeing a past glimpse of the mother – it’s hard to deny that there is a resemblence… especially seeing the much more grown up Ellie. 

Of course Naughty Dog isn’t helping – they immediately added their own fuel to this rapidly growing fire: 

Want something really entertaining? Read some of the comments in that Twitter thread.

The reaction:

Here are just a few of our favourite reactions to Naughty Dog’s instigative post: 

Then there’s THIS theory:

The excitement:

The rabbit hole goes deep and like the internet does, it’s going into hyper drive with speculation. Until Naughty Dog themselves gives an actual response, the waiting game begins now. 

The Last of Us Part II does not currently have a release window at this time.