The Last of Us Season 2: How One Unexpected “Dad” Line Became an Internet Meme Sensation

Looks like The Last of Us Season 2 is back in the spotlight, and this time it’s all about one line that’s got fans talking—and laughing. The now-infamous “I’m going to be a dad!” scene has exploded into a meme, and showrunner Craig Mazin has finally shared how that moment ended up in the script. If you’re wondering what really happened behind the scenes, keep reading for all the juicy details!

• Season 2’s script changes have sparked controversy among fans
• One line in particular—Ellie’s “I’m going to be a dad!”—became a meme
• Showrunner Craig Mazin explains how the line was created
• The scene is very different from the video game version
• Fan reactions and memes are taking over the internet

Why is everyone talking about Ellie’s “dad” line?

Season 2 of the hit HBO show The Last of Us has seen its fair share of criticism, and a lot of it comes down to the writing. According to unhappy fans on Reddit, the version of Ellie in the show feels less mature and not as competent as her video game counterpart. The most talked-about moment? Ellie’s cheerful reaction to Dina’s pregnancy news: “I’m going to be a dad!”

How does the TV scene compare to the game?

Let’s break it down. In the show, after Dina keeps throwing up, it’s revealed she’s pregnant, not just queasy from violence. Ellie quickly adapts to the news and cracks the now-memed line, “So we’re all having a baby,” followed by, “I’m going to be a dad!” Everything feels light and even a bit silly.

But if you’ve played the game, you know it’s a different vibe. Dina is upset and crying, not excited. Ellie reacts with disbelief and anger, not joy. She even says, “Well you’re a burden now, aren’t you?”—a line that sticks with players and gives more depth to her future choices.

Craig Mazin reveals how it happened

What’s the story behind the change? In a TikTok clip from Sky Ireland, Craig Mazin explains that he often bounces ideas off the actors. About the “dad” line, he says:

“Bella and I were talking about that episode, I like to run things past them all the time. And I was like — this just popped into my head. I don’t know why, it just felt right. It’s not an expression of gender as much as state of mind.”

Mazin adds that he pays attention to the actors’ enthusiasm for these changes. “The joy that just burbles out of Bella when they say, ‘I’m going to be a dad,‘ it’s wonderful,” he says. According to Mazin, Bella Ramsey was excited about the idea, so it stuck.

Fans react: memes, jokes, and more

Despite the creative intent, the line didn’t land well with fans. It quickly turned into a meme across social media. If you search “ellie im going to be a dad meme” online, you’ll find endless edits—often with Bella’s face exaggerated for comic effect.

With Mazin now admitting that the line “just popped into his head,” it’s safe to say the meme train isn’t stopping anytime soon. Whether you love it or hate it, this dialogue is now a part of The Last of Us lore.