The Last of Us season 2 has finally premiered, bringing with it a wave of emotional turmoil that fans have eagerly awaited. The narrative intricacies reveal strained relationships and the emergence of new dynamics among characters, leaving viewers intrigued about the evolving connection between Joel and Ellie. Following the shocking cliffhanger at the end of season 1, the storyline now unfolds five years later, depicting a fractured bond between the pair. For those familiar with the original video game narrative, the impending fate of Joel, who meets a tragic end, looms large. This begs the question: what will happen to him in the television adaptation?
In this article, Hollywood Life is diving deep into the latest developments surrounding Joel’s fate and what we understand about his character trajectory moving forward.
Discover the Role of Pedro Pascal as Joel in The Last of Us
Pedro Pascal takes on the pivotal role of Joel, a character who reluctantly forms a partnership with Bella Ramsey‘s Ellie during season 1. As their journey progresses across a devastated, post-apocalyptic United States, Joel transforms from a reluctant ally into Ellie’s unofficial protector, showcasing the evolution of their relationship amid chaos. This dynamic not only highlights his character’s depth but also the stark realities of survival in a world filled with danger and moral dilemmas.
Pedro Pascal’s Continued Presence in The Last of Us Season 2
Absolutely, Pedro Pascal continues to portray Joel in season 2 of The Last of Us. As the new season unfolds, the exact number of episodes featuring him remains uncertain, though it is reasonable to assume that he will appear in the majority, if not all, of them, given his central role in the storyline. His character’s journey is crucial to the unfolding narrative, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
In a recent press conference held by Variety in March 2025, Pedro was discreet about revealing any significant spoilers regarding Joel’s storyline. However, he expressed his gratitude for returning to the role, sharing that this experience has been unparalleled and emotionally intense. He remarked, “This experience, more than any other I’ve had, is hard for me to separate what the characters are going through and how it makes me feel, in a way that isn’t very healthy. And so I kind of feel their pain.” This insight reveals the deep emotional connection he has developed with his character.
Additionally, Pedro elaborated on the complex relationship his character shares with Gabriel Luna‘s Tommy, indicating that their dynamic is rich with emotion and depth.
“I think that there was just a very, very well-placed arc for us,” Pedro explained, reflecting on their characters’ journey. “I started the season with [Gabriel]. We began season 1 together on D-Day, right? There was a bonding and initiation process that set the tone for everything. I feel like it was a beautiful setup by [show creators] Craig [Mazin] and Neil [Druckmann] that the first scene I shot was just you and I in an intimate setting. Despite the incredible emotional distance between our characters in this scene, we still shared moments of levity on set, which was incredibly comforting, akin to coming home.”
Anticipating Joel’s Fate in The Last of Us Season 2
While the cast and creators have maintained silence regarding Joel’s ultimate fate, fans familiar with the original video game anticipate a grim future. In The Last of Us Part II, Joel is met with an untimely demise early in the narrative. Whether the HBO adaptation adheres to the same storyline or chooses to diverge remains uncertain, but the emotional stakes are undeniably elevated as the plot progresses.
Season 2 also introduces the character Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, whose intentions are clear from the start: she is determined to exact revenge on Joel. Abby’s motivation is rooted in the events of the Season 1 finale, where Joel intervenes to rescue Ellie from a perilous operation that could have led to a cure, resulting in the deaths of several Fireflies, including Abby’s father. This narrative twist sets the stage for heightened conflict and emotional depth in the series.
