SPOILER ALERT! This article contains major details from Sunday’s episode of HBO‘s The Last of Us. Fans of the series were left reeling after the shocking demise of Pedro Pascal's character, Joel, in the latest episode. While this twist may not have come as a surprise to those familiar with The Last of Us Part II video game, it was a devastating moment for many viewers. Pascal, however, was not caught off guard.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pedro Pascal shed light on his reaction to Joel's tragic fate. “It’s not like they said, ‘Hey, we kill you at the beginning of season 2,’” he explained. “But it was always an understanding that it would stay true to the source material in a specific way, and that the, let’s say, practical and exclusive obligation would be for season 1. It was just a matter of how and when.” This insight reflects the commitment of the show's creators to remain faithful to the beloved video game franchise.
In the heart-wrenching episode, Joel meets his end at the hands of Kaitlyn Dever’s character, Abby, who seeks revenge for her father’s death—a doctor whom Joel killed to save Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey). Pascal candidly shared his feelings about Joel’s demise, admitting, “I’m in active denial. I realize this more and more as I get older. I find myself slipping into denial that anything is over.” The actor expressed the strong bond he shares with the cast and crew, noting that while he may no longer portray Joel, the connections formed during the production are lasting.
When Pascal arrived on set with his bloody makeup, he observed a poignant reaction from the cast and crew. “It was interesting to step into the room and see the reactions in people’s faces. It wasn’t one of revulsion but of heartbreak,” he recounted. This moment underscores the emotional weight that the show's narrative carries for everyone involved.
Bella Ramsey also shared her thoughts about the episode during HBO’s after-show. “I knew that Joel was going to die, but reading it in the script, I was dreading getting to that bit… and I cried,” she revealed. “I actually sobbed my little heart out. It’s the first time I’ve cried from reading a piece of writing.” Ramsey’s heartfelt response highlights the deep emotional impact of the storyline on the cast.
Pascal expressed pride in Ramsey’s transition into the leading role, emphasizing the parental dynamic between Joel and Ellie. “Bella was never my child, but there’s an obvious parental dynamic between the characters of Joel and Ellie,” he said. “I did feel this sort of pride that I had nothing to do with but was able to observe how effortlessly they stepped into a position of leadership.”
Ramsey acknowledged the added pressure of her new role, stating, “It definitely felt heavier. I’ve felt the weight of the responsibility of it more, and not the responsibility of being the main character as much. It is more just the workload and being there literally every day. I did feel at times I was carrying the whole thing on my back, which obviously isn’t true.” She stressed the importance of the collaborative effort among the cast and crew, even as the story delves into darker themes this season.
As The Last of Us continues to unfold, viewers can expect a gripping narrative filled with emotional highs and lows, driven by powerful performances and a commitment to storytelling that resonates deeply with fans of the franchise.
