When The Last of Us Season 2 was released, fans spotted something quietly beautiful nestled between horror and heartbreak: the frequent references to Curtis and Viper. It may sound like your typical gritty ’80s action film, but it is, in fact, one of the most bittersweet Easter eggs in the series, though a fictional one at that.
In the dark, post-apocalyptic universe of The Last of Us, where Cordyceps brought civilization to an end before Return of the King or the Nintendo Wii had even been released, pop culture residue is a precious commodity. Curtis and Viper, a made-up action franchise about a renegade commando and a ninja who battles crime, was one of Joel’s guilty pleasures.
From the way Sarah presents him with Curtis and Viper 2 on his birthday at the start of the outbreak to Ellie and Dina’s teasing about it as they face danger and loss, the franchise braids itself through the crux of the tale.
By Season 2, Curtis and Viper is more than a throwback reference—it is a symbol of memory, relationship, and loss.
Curtis and Viper is The Last of Us’ nostalgic link to Joel
Fans heard about the movie for the first time in the premiere of The Last of Us Season 1. Sarah (Nico Parker) borrows a DVD of Curtis and Viper 2 from the Adlers to give to Joel (Pedro Pascal) on his birthday—a little, affectionate gesture cut short by the apocalypse. Seeing that movie became Joel’s last peaceful moment with his daughter before all fell apart.
Season 2 brings the Easter Egg back to life. In Episode 1, Dina (Isabela Merced) jokingly mentions Ellie (Bella Ramsey) looks like “Curtis or Viper” in patrol gear. Yes, it’s a tease at Ellie’s expense, but also hints at a movie night with Joel.
Jesse goes so far as to use the reference in a briefing, which means that Joel’s fondness for the movies had become the shared consciousness in the Jackson community. This is not just a pop culture reference; it’s a heartbreaking echo of Joel’s sorrow.
When Dina asks Ellie to chaperone Joel for a movie night, we realize Joel’s desire for human connection is linked with Curtis and Viper, a memory of good times he clings to desperately, particularly after his falling out with Ellie.
Curtis and Viper bonds Ellie and Dina while keeping Joel’s spirit alive
By Season 2, Episode 3, the movie becomes a mutual shorthand between Ellie and Dina. As they drive towards Seattle, coasting past the disquieting silence. They exchange Curtis and Viper quotes when Ellie makes a joke, “Yeah. Too quiet,” Dina smiles and asks, “Curtis or Viper?” It’s a game that recalls childhood, friendship, and resilience: all core themes to The Last of Us‘ DNA.
All this joking conceals an underlying sorrow. Curtis and Viper lets Ellie retain some of Joel alive, even in death. The allusions are not coincidental; they hold Ellie’s love, guilt, and yearning.
Even when Ellie attempts to be tough with her “There’s about to be a whole lot less” speech, Dina’s ready riposte about Curtis and Viper reveals how much these characters’ emotional survival meshes with little, everyday pleasures, such as a favorite movie.
Finally, Curtis and Viper is not only a fake movie franchise in The Last of Us world—it’s a lifeline. A recollection of who they were, who they loved, and what they’re still struggling to hold on to.
MORE: The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3 Review: ‘The Path’
