SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 2 of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” now streaming on Max. In a surprising turn of events, Pedro Pascal, who plays the beloved character Joel, has opened up about the impactful moment when Joel meets his demise at the hands of Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever. This shocking twist aligns closely with the storyline of the “The Last of Us Part II” video game, hinting that Pascal was aware of his character's fate when he took on the role in the HBO series.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pascal revealed that while he wasn't explicitly told, “Hey, we kill you at the beginning of season 2,” there was a mutual understanding that the show would remain faithful to the source material. He noted, “It was always an understanding that it would stay true to the source material in a specific way.” Pascal emphasized that his commitment to the character was primarily for Season 1, making the timing and manner of Joel's death a matter of narrative flow rather than a surprise twist for him.
During the official “The Last of Us” after show, Pascal expressed his deep respect for the audience's emotional investment in both video games and television series. He shared, “I have nothing but respect for the level of investment that people have in a video game or a TV show or movie or book.” His own experiences with storytelling led him to understand the profound connection audiences have with characters, calling it “incredibly painful” for fans to witness such moments. This narrative strength is a testament to the series' exceptional storytelling.
In a gripping scene, Abby captures Joel and reveals that she is the daughter of the doctor he killed in the Season 1 finale to save Ellie. The confrontation escalates as she shoots Joel in the leg and attacks him with a golf club. Ultimately, Abby delivers a fatal blow by stabbing Joel in the neck, a moment that Pascal described as both tragic and bonding. He remarked, “It’s ironic that something so violent and tragic between characters can immediately bond you to the actor.”
Pascal also discussed the reactions of his peers on set, noting that the atmosphere was filled with heartbreak rather than revulsion when he appeared in his bloody makeup. He shared his personal struggle with denial regarding Joel's fate, stating, “I’m in active denial… I find myself slipping into denial that anything is over.” Despite the sadness surrounding his character's exit, Pascal cherishes the bond he formed with the cast and crew.
Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, has primarily shared the screen with Joel throughout the series, and this dynamic is set to shift dramatically following Joel's death. Ramsey acknowledged her emotional response to the script, saying, “I knew that Joel was going to die but reading it in the script I was dreading getting to that bit… and I cried. I actually sobbed my little heart out.” This reaction underscores the emotional weight of the narrative and its impact on the cast.
In an interview with Variety, series co-creator Craig Mazin explained the rationale behind choosing Season 2 Episode 2 for this pivotal moment. He mentioned the challenges of timing such a significant event, adding, “There’s a danger of tormenting people… Our instinct was to make sure that when we did it, that it felt natural in the story and was not some meta-function of us wanting to upset people.” This approach reflects the careful consideration the creative team has for both the story and its audience.
As “The Last of Us” continues to unfold, the emotional landscape will undoubtedly shift, leaving viewers eager to see how the narrative evolves in the wake of Joel's tragic death.
