Pedro Pascal Breaks Down the Emotional Toll of Playing Joel in The Last of Us

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As the seconds tick by, I find myself growing increasingly excited and apprehensive about the imminent arrival of Season 2 of The Last of Us. The initial season left me breathless with one emotional blow after another, and I have no doubt that the upcoming episodes will continue to pack a powerful punch within the 2025 TV lineup. The poignant storyline of the show appears to be impacting not only its viewers but also the cast members themselves. In light of this, lead actor Pedro Pascal recently revealed some insights into the difficulties he encounters while portraying Joel.

At a press event for the latest season of “The Last of Us,” Pedro Pascal (through PEOPLE) disclosed his personal links to the character of Joel. The actor expressed that he identifies with Joel’s protective traits, especially towards those he cares about. Pascal believes this is the aspect of Joel’s character that he connects to most personally. However, the actor also acknowledges that portraying someone like Joel has a psychological impact on him.

This particular encounter stands out among all others I’ve had. The emotions portrayed by the characters are deeply intertwined with my own feelings, creating a connection that, to be honest, might not be entirely beneficial for me. In essence, it seems like I’m experiencing their pain indirectly, which could suggest that I was in an emotionally unbalanced state.

Acting involves investing a portion of yourself into the character you portray, especially with intense shows like The Last of Us, it’s not hard to imagine the cast forming strong emotional bonds with their characters. While I don’t act myself, I can understand how viewers might develop deep connections with characters they identify with. This makes it particularly challenging when those characters encounter painful situations.

It would be hard for me to fathom performing some of the intense scenes found in “The Last of Us” Season 1, according to Bella Ramsay (who uses both she/her and they/them pronouns). To help manage some of the tougher moments, Ramsay used unique strategies. Moreover, based on what we’ve learned so far, the writers opted for a more character-focused approach compared to “The Last of Us Part II,” which serves as the basis for the season. This shift is particularly noticeable with characters like Abby, as her backstory is being presented in a new way.

To enjoy streaming The Last of Us, it’s beneficial to have a Max subscription at your disposal. Unlike the menacing Clickers, the Ads plan won’t scare you, and it comes with a monthly fee of $9.99, offering three tiers for members who subscribe. Additionally, you can save up to 20% by prepaying for an entire year. Check out this deal!

If you have some understanding of the second game (without revealing any spoilers), then you likely understand there are many exciting events coming up for Ellie and Joel. Since Pedro Pascal finds it challenging to separate his characters from his own emotions, I’m confident that I’ll need tissues as I watch the show unfold.

As a movie enthusiast, I confidently affirm that Pedro Pascal and his fellow cast members, backed by exceptional writing, are set to deliver a gripping television experience. Many of us, myself included, acknowledge their prowess in navigating such weighty subject matter with sensitivity and skill. Although I may harbor some apprehension about witnessing distressing events on the show, my anticipation for an engaging rollercoaster ride remains undeterred.

Get ready for the highly anticipated premiere of “The Last of Us” Season 2 on HBO this coming Sunday, April 13th! Until then, why not catch up by streaming the first season on Max?

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2025-04-08 02:07