Neil Druckmann Reveals Why Sam Is Different in the Last of Us Show Than in the Games

HBO max’s critically acclaimed show based on Naughty Dog’s Magnum opus, The Last of Us, has already proved itself to be one of the most critically acclaimed shows of the year so far. Yet, with the latest episode, fans and critics were equally shocked seeing how far the narrative can go. 

Episode 5 delved into the stories of Sam and Henry. Both of the characters play significant roles in the games just like they do in the show. With slight works here and there, the characteristics of Sam and Henry are mostly kept true to the source, except for one aspect of Sam, which is drastically different from the games. His deafness.

Why is Sam deaf in the Last of Us show?

Just like Joel and Ellie, Henry and Sam both are survivors who are making their way around the devastated world with each other, for each other. In many aspects, Henry and Sam are a reflection of Joel and Ellie, as they remind Joel of the path he is on, and after 20 years, he finally has someone like Sam in his life. 

Both of the brothers Henry and Sam are hiding from the Hunters, a local group of armed militants, as their leader, desperately seeks Henry to take her revenge on him. In their escape from the hunters, Henry and Sam met Joel and Ellie, who decided to team up and help each other escape the city. 

But as soon as the characters appear on the screen, long-time fans will recognize that Sam is a little different from the games. In the television adaptation, Sam appears to be deaf. This at first may come as a shock to the fans, but with a context from the showrunners, this change seems completely natural and needed.   

Read More: ‘The Last of Us’ Creators Break Down “The Most Father-Daughter Moment” Between Joel and Ellie in Episode 4

Co-creator of the original game and one of the showrunners, Neil Druckmann reveled in the post-episode documentary, that the decision of making Sam have a major disability was to portray the bond and relationship between the brothers much more intimate and co-dependable. 

As the population declined, people who are versed in sign language became very scarce, which is why Sam always needs Henry to interpret his thoughts. On the other hand, having his brother on his side gives Henry the strength and motivation to strive and survive in these harsh lands. Without him, Henry has no meaning in life. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Top 10 changes in the Last of Us Remake