Why Joel Dies So Early In The Last Of Us S2: Shocking Reason Revealed

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Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Last of Us season 2, episode 2!

In the acclaimed series “The Last of Us,” Joel’s demise stands among the saddest events, and we delve into why it occurred in the second season, specifically the second episode. Joel was the central figure in the first season, with Pedro Pascal portraying him alongside Bella Ramsey as Ellie. Regrettably, it appears that Pedro Pascal’s Joel will no longer play a significant role in season 2, as his death in episode 2 has significantly altered the direction of “The Last of Us” storyline.

At long last, the second season of “The Last of Us” has been released, reuniting Joel and Ellie for what initially seemed like another journey together. In the five years since the first season of “The Last of Us,” Ellie and Joel seem to have grown apart, possibly due to Joel’s deception at the end of the finale in season 1. Regrettably, Abby stepped in before Joel and Ellie could reconcile, as she sought retribution against Joel for the death of her father. The demise of Joel occurs at the conclusion of episode 2 in “The Last of Us” season 2, catching many off guard due to its early occurrence in the series.

Joel’s Death Needed To Happen Early To Set Up Ellie’s Main Journey In The Last Of Us Season 2

It Is Important For Abby & Ellie’s Stories

In just the second episode of The Last of Us season 2, we see the character Joel meet his demise. Although it might seem premature, this event was crucial for the narrative to unfold as intended. The TV show is based on The Last of Us Part II, and the plot largely mirrors that of the video game. In the game’s storyline, Joel’s death sparks Ellie’s quest for revenge. Throughout the game, we follow Ellie and Dina as they journey to Seattle, Washington in search of Abby with the intention of exacting revenge for Joel’s murder.

In essence, the remaining part of “The Last of Us” season 2 appears set to delve deeper into Ellie’s journey, as she embarks on a nationwide trek mirroring the one she undertook with Joel in season 1. The narrative of “The Last of Us Part II” primarily explores the perils of revenge, with Ellie wreaking havoc throughout due to her intense animosity towards Abby. Their contrasting vengeful natures are consistently contrasted throughout the storyline, a progression that takes time to unfold. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the tale in “The Last of Us Part II” is considerably more expansive than the original game, which is why the HBO series had to commence so promptly.

When Joel’s Death Happens In The Last Of Us Part 2 Game

It Is Just As Early

In “The Last of Us Part II”, Joel’s demise happens quite early, just a few hours into the game, following a significant action sequence. This unexpected turn of events makes Ellie the main character for most of the game, leaving the players taken aback.

In essence, the sequence of events surrounding Joel’s death in “The Last of Us” season 2 closely mirrors that from “The Last of Us Part II.” Key elements like Abby being trapped under a fence, Joel rescuing her, and their subsequent return to Abby’s ski lodge are present in both narratives. Nevertheless, there are alterations, one significant one being Joel patrolling with Dina instead of Tommy. Despite some variations in the intricate details, the chronology of Joel’s demise in “The Last of Us” season 2 largely remains consistent.

What The Cast & Crew Have Said About Joel’s Death In The Last Of Us Season 2

Craig Mazin Has Already Discussed The Death

Craig Mazin, the showrunner for “The Last of Us”, has opened up about the difficulties encountered when adapting the controversial narrative of “The Last of Us Part II” in an interview with Deadline. According to Mazin, the process of adapting this story was demanding due to the need to meet fan expectations, address criticisms, and implement changes. Here’s what he had to say:

“Adapting this story was a stressful endeavor.” (Craig Mazin)

In simpler terms, I was extremely scared; Neil, on the other hand, likely wasn’t. Mark Mylod and I were quite anxious because we knew the expectations were very high. To be honest, this part of the game is exceptional, and we were attempting to recreate it with some unique twists, but those differences made us a bit apprehensive. Trying to meet such high standards left us feeling extremely tense.

Many fans of “The Last of Us” were eagerly anticipating how the HBO series would tackle Joel’s death, given its sensitive nature. However, showrunner Craig Mazin wants viewers to understand that the team is treating the source material with utmost respect. He also stated, “This episode is distressing for me as well. I just want people to know that we aren’t laughing about it. We are sharing in their grief.

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2025-04-22 00:39