SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 2 of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” now streaming on Max.
The bloater, the formidable infected monster from “The Last of Us,” made a triumphant return in Season 2, Episode 2, engaging in a fiery battle in Jackson. Tommy, armed with a flamethrower, faced off against the bloater, ultimately emerging victorious after a fierce confrontation. However, the settlement and its residents suffered significant damage before the bloater met its fiery demise. While the bloater was previously seen in Season 1, its appearance in Season 2 has been enhanced for a more menacing presence.
In Season 1, a stuntman wearing an 80-pound suit portrayed the bloater, which was later enhanced with CGI. For Season 2, the VFX team led by supervisor Alex Wang opted to create a new bloater entirely through CGI, allowing them to redesign and upgrade the creature. The team focused on maintaining the bloater’s iconic silhouette while making it appear larger and more imposing. By redesigning the bloater’s crown and enhancing its overall appearance, they aimed to convey a sense of power and fear.
The bloater breaks through the Jackson wall, leading a horde of infected creatures into the town before facing off against Tommy. Despite its usual slow and lumbering movements, the bloater exhibits surprising agility and speed when threatened by Tommy’s flamethrower. This change in behavior showcases the bloater’s desperation and willingness to adapt to survive, adding a new layer of complexity to its character.
Drawing inspiration from nature and “The Last of Us Part II” gameplay, the VFX team meticulously crafted the bloater’s burning sequence. The bloater’s skin color was altered to reflect its origin from the frigid Wyoming mountains, showcasing a mix of purple, dark blue, red, and orange hues. The animation of the bloater burning was carefully crafted to depict realistic reactions to high temperatures, including skin contraction, cracking, bubbling, and liquid release.
Following its debut in Season 1, the bloater gained unexpected popularity as a "sex icon" and "big daddy mushroom," inspiring numerous memes. While the new bloater’s design maintains its intimidating physique, Wang emphasized the importance of instilling fear and intimidation in viewers rather than focusing on its perceived sex appeal.
In conclusion, the Season 2 bloater’s enhanced appearance and behavior add depth to its character, creating a more formidable and terrifying adversary for the show’s characters. With attention to detail and a commitment to realism, the VFX team has successfully brought the bloater to life in a way that captivates and terrifies audiences.
