David Bridges
The Last of Us season 2 has finally premiered, bringing with it a wave of emotional turmoil that dedicated fans have been eagerly anticipating. As relationships evolve and new dynamics unfold among the characters, audiences are left on the edge of their seats, particularly concerning the fate of Joel and Ellie. Following the shocking cliffhanger at the end of season 1, the narrative now jumps five years ahead, revealing a strained relationship between Joel and Ellie. For those familiar with the video game storyline, it’s a well-known fact that Joel meets a tragic end. This raises the pressing question: what is in store for him in the television adaptation?
In this article, Hollywood Life is uncovering all the latest insights regarding Joel’s future in the series. (Warning: spoilers for The Last of Us season 2 are ahead)
Explore Pedro Pascal’s Character, Joel, in The Last of Us
Pedro Pascal takes on the pivotal role of Joel, a character who, despite initial reluctance, forges a deep alliance with Bella Ramsey‘s character, Ellie, during season 1. Over the course of their journey, Joel transforms into Ellie’s guardian, fiercely protecting her as they navigate a devastated, post-apocalyptic United States filled with dangers and uncertainty. Their bond grows as they face numerous challenges, highlighting the themes of love, loss, and survival in a harsh reality.
Find Out If Pedro Pascal Continues His Role in The Last of Us Season 2
Absolutely, Pedro Pascal is reprising his role as Joel in season 2 of The Last of Us. Although the season has just kicked off, the exact number of episodes featuring him is still uncertain. However, it is reasonable to expect that he will appear in the majority, if not all, of the episodes throughout this season.
During a recent press conference held by Variety in March 2025, Pedro shared his thoughts but refrained from revealing any major spoilers regarding Joel’s storyline. He expressed his gratitude for returning to the role, stating that this experience is uniquely challenging for him. He mentioned, “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,” highlighting the emotional depth of his character and the storyline.
Pedro also elaborated on the complexities of his character’s relationship with Gabriel Luna‘s character, Tommy. Their bond is intricately woven into the narrative, adding layers to the emotional stakes of the story.
“I think that there was just a very, very well-placed arc for us,” Pedro noted, reflecting on the development of their characters throughout the series. He reminisced about how he began the season with [Gabriel] and how their journey started together on the fateful D-Day. This connection established a bonding and initiation process into the storyline. Pedro described the initial scenes they shot together as “incredibly painful distance” between the two characters, yet there were moments of levity and comfort amidst the intensity of their experiences, which felt like a return to a familiar place for him.
Unraveling the Mystery: Will Joel Meet His End in The Last of Us Season 2?
While the cast and creators have been tight-lipped regarding Joel’s ultimate fate, devoted fans of the original video game are already aware of the impending tragedy. In The Last of Us Part II, Joel’s life is cut short early in the storyline.
The second season introduces a new character, Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, whose intentions are made starkly clear from the outset: her mission is to eliminate Joel. Her motivations stem from the dramatic events of the season 1 finale, where Joel intervenes in a life-threatening operation that could have led to a cure, resulting in the deaths of several Fireflies, including Abby’s father.
In a pivotal moment during season 2, episode 2, Abby encounters Joel while fleeing from a horde of terrifying Cordyceps creatures. He saves her by shooting one of them, but this act of heroism leads her to lure him and Dina back to the hideout of the remaining Fireflies. Upon their arrival, Abby takes a shocking turn, shooting Joel in the leg and brutally attacking him while Dina is rendered unconscious. In a heart-wrenching moment, Ellie arrives to witness Abby finish Joel’s life, delivering a fatal stab to his neck.
The heartbreaking demise of Joel leaves Ellie in devastation, where she tearfully embraces him and vows to seek revenge against Abby for this unimaginable loss.
Maya Kensington
