{"id":28750,"date":"2023-01-17T15:53:33","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T14:53:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1770151"},"modified":"2023-01-17T16:52:46","modified_gmt":"2023-01-17T15:52:46","slug":"who-is-riley-in-the-last-of-us-storm-reids-character-explained","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/who-is-riley-in-the-last-of-us-storm-reids-character-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Who is Riley in The Last of Us? Storm Reid\u2019s character explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Rob Leane\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 17 January 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Now that The Last of Us TV show<\/a> has started its run on HBO, Sky Atlantic and NOW<\/a>, viewers are starting to have questions. And after the first episode, one of those queries is\u2026 who is Riley?<\/p>\n

This particular name is dropped in the first episode, while Bella Ramsey\u2019s Ellie and Merle Dandridge\u2019s Marlene are talking about the mysterious group known as the Fireflies. Marlene is the leader of the Boston branch of the Fireflies, and Ellie accuses them of being terrorists. Marlene replies, \u201cWas Riley a terrorist?\u201d The question sparks an emotional response from Ellie.<\/p>\n

Given that Riley is a character that did not appear in the original Last of Us game, and she\u2019s never seen or mentioned elsewhere in this episode, it\u2019s no surprise that some viewers are looking for answers about her. Keep on reading and we\u2019ll explain everything, although we\u2019ll try to steer clear of spoilers.<\/p>\n

Who is Riley in The Last of Us?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Storm Reid as Riley in an official poster for The Last of Us.<\/span><\/figcaption> HBO\/Sky Atlantic\/NOW<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

In the world of The Last of Us, Riley is a key figure in Ellie\u2019s childhood. A close friend, trusted confidant and potential love interest, she is generally portrayed as being a little bit wiser and more proactive than Ellie \u2014 she gets involved with the activists known as the Fireflies while Ellie does not.<\/p>\n

Although Riley did not appear in the original 2013 game<\/a>, this character has become a fan favourite through spin-off material. She was introduced in the comic book series The Last of Us: American Dreams, before appearing on screen in the 2014 expansion The Last of Us: Left Behind<\/a> (where she was played by Yaani King).<\/p>\n

This piece of downloadable content (DLC) effectively added an extra chapter to the original game, using lengthy flashbacks to fill in details of Ellie\u2019s backstory prior to meeting Joel. It saw, among other things, Ellie and Riley goofing off in an abandoned mall. We\u2019d highly recommend playing Left Behind if you haven\u2019t already had the pleasure. It\u2019s a terrific exploration of the world and offers massive insights into Ellie.<\/p>

It has already been announced that Storm Reid (who you might recognise from Euphoria<\/a> or A Wrinkle in Time) will be playing Riley in The Last of Us TV show, although it remains to be seen when she will appear or how large her role will be.<\/p>\n

Promotional materials like the image above, which shows Riley near a fairground carousel, have led fans to speculate that the flashbacks from Left Behind could be weaved into the Last of Us series. Certainly, the mention of Riley in episode 1 is a promising sign for fans of the character.<\/p>