The Last of Us Season 2 Creator Says Joel’s Death Was Always Planned: ‘People Will Be Upset’
Episode 2 of The Last of Us Season 2 shocked many fans with the brutal death of Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal. But according to the show’s creator Craig Mazin, Joel’s death was always part of the story.
Joel’s death shocked fans, but it followed the game
In this episode, Joel is killed by Abby Anderson (played by Kaitlyn Dever) with a golf club after he saves her from infected creatures. The violent moment isn’t shown fully on screen, but the aftermath is emotional and disturbing.
Fans who played The Last of Us Part II video game already knew Joel’s fate. The show followed the game closely in this part of the story.
Creator Craig Mazin explains why Joel had to die
Craig Mazin, the show’s executive producer, confirmed that Joel’s death was always part of the plan.
“This was something that was always meant to happen,” Mazin said.
“So much of Season 1 was building up to this moment. And yes, it’s upsetting.”
He added that loss is a big part of this story, and Joel’s death fits that theme. Mazin also said that Pedro Pascal was told about Joel’s fate when he first took the role, and knew the show wasn’t going to have him for many seasons.
Why did Abby kill Joel?
The show also gives us Abby’s backstory. A flashback reveals that Abby’s father was the surgeon Joel killed in Season 1 when saving Ellie. Ever since then, Abby has been looking for Joel to get her revenge.
Mazin said that during their final moments, Joel seemed to understand Abby’s pain and, in a way, accepted her need for revenge.
What happens next?
Now the story moves forward with Ellie (Bella Ramsey). She is deeply hurt and angry after seeing Joel’s death and promises to take revenge.
Mazin asks an important question:
“Is Ellie going to do what Abby did? Will she go after her at any cost?”
But he also explained that this is not just a revenge story. It’s about grief, and how different people deal with it.
Will we see Joel again?
Even though Joel is dead, Mazin confirmed that Pedro Pascal will return in future scenes — possibly in flashbacks.
“We have not seen the last of Pedro Pascal on The Last of Us,” he said.
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