In a moment that took both ‘The Last of Us’ viewers and ‘Friends’ fans by surprise, Jennifer Aniston made a playful post-apocalyptic cameo without ever stepping foot on set. During the April 13 premiere of ‘The Last of Us’ season 2, Bella Ramsey’s character Ellie stumbles upon a 2003 magazine issue featuring Aniston beaming on the cover.
It was an unintentional time capsule from the world that once was, serving as a small yet oddly comforting relic of pre-apocalypse pop culture. And the ‘Friends’ star was thrilled about it.
Jennifer Aniston Found Her Magazine Surviving ‘The Last Of Us’ Apocalypse Hilarious
Posting the clip to her Instagram story, Jennifer Aniston reacted with her trademark humor. “Of all the things to survive the apocalypse,” she wrote, followed by a laughing emoji and a cheeky side-eye. She tagged the show’s official account, signaling her appreciation for the unexpected nod. It wasn’t just a nostalgic Easter egg, it was a perfect encapsulation of Aniston’s enduring influence in entertainment.
The episode, written and directed by co-showrunner Craig Mazin, sets Ellie and Dina on a supply run that leads them into a crumbling storefront. There, Ellie falls through the floor into a long-abandoned basement, where the dust-covered magazine makes its eerie, almost ironic appearance.
Dated right before the fictional pandemic’s onset in 2003, the magazine cover featuring Aniston becomes a symbol of a bygone era. While Aniston has never actually appeared on the acclaimed HBO series, her image now lives on in its universe. And given the internet’s response, some fans wouldn’t mind seeing her pop up for real.
Moreover, Jennifer Aniston’s inclusion in ‘The Last of Us’, however brief, speaks to her timeless appeal. In a show drenched in despair, violence, and survivalist tension, her glowing smile from 2003 provided a bizarre moment of familiarity. It was a reminder that the world wasn’t always crumbling buildings and infected threats. It was once red carpets, fashion spreads, and cultural icons gracing magazine covers. And for Aniston, the cameo was a lighthearted nod to her pop culture legacy.
Jennifer Aniston And Pedro Pascal Might’ve More Than Just ‘The Last Of Us’ In Common
The Easter egg cameo wasn’t the only thing making headlines. Just weeks before the season premiere, Jennifer Aniston was seen dining with none other than Pedro Pascal, Ramsey’s on-screen protector and the face of ‘The Last of Us’s hardened survivor, Joel. The two were photographed leaving the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood. This unsurprisingly ignited a frenzy of speculation.
In case you missed it: How Joel’s Tragic Fate In ‘The Last Of Us’ Episode 2 Compares To The Game Version
A source close to the pair confirmed to People that it was indeed a “business dinner to get to know each other better. Jen likes Pedro’s energy and would love to work with him,” the insider shared. And honestly, who wouldn’t? This isn’t the first time sparks flew between the two. At the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Aniston and The Morning Show co-star Reese Witherspoon invited Pascal to join their Apple TV+ series mid-interview.
Pascal, never one to miss a beat, jokingly asked, “Does it involve anything romantic with anybody?” Aniston responded with a laugh, “All of us.” Pascal, clearly game, replied, “I’m in. I’ll be waiting to hear from my agents.” Now, with Pascal continuing to dominate in high-profile projects and Aniston being herself, fans are practically begging for the two to share screen time. And it might just happen if fans fight hard enough.
