“Just a Matter of How and When”: Pedro Pascal Reflects on Joel’s Death in The Last of Us Season 2

Pedro Pascal opens up about his character’s brutal death in The Last of Us Season 2, admitting he always knew Joel’s end was inevitable as the show stayed faithful to the video game’s emotional source material.

📍 Washington DC | April 21, 2025

Actor Pedro Pascal has finally addressed the devastating twist in The Last of Us Season 2 — the death of his character Joel Miller, a moment that has rocked fans of the hit HBO series.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, as quoted by Variety, Pascal revealed that he was never in the dark about Joel’s fate, especially given the show’s commitment to closely following Naughty Dog’s acclaimed video game, The Last of Us Part II.

“It’s not like they said, ‘Hey, we kill you at the beginning of Season 2,’” Pascal explained.
“But it was always understood that it would stay true to the source material… It was just a matter of how and when.”

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🩸 A Brutal Goodbye

Joel’s death in the second season mirrors the emotional and violent plotline from the original game. According to Deadline, his killer Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever) is revealed to be the daughter of the doctor Joel killed in the Season 1 finale. Seeking revenge, Abby bludgeons Joel with a golf club and ultimately delivers the fatal blow by stabbing him in the neck with a spike.

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🧠 Respect for Fans, Despite the Pain

While Joel’s graphic death shocked new viewers, fans of the franchise’s video game were already bracing for impact. Still, Pascal acknowledges the emotional weight of the loss and expressed empathy for fans during HBO’s official Last of Us after-show.

“I have nothing but respect for the level of investment people have in a video game, a TV show, a movie, or a book,” he said.
“I’ve flung books across the room because of how deeply they affect me. I think it’s incredibly painful for people — and that’s the brilliance of the storytelling.”

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🎮 Staying True to the Source

The series has been lauded for its faithful adaptation of the original game, including its bold and often brutal narrative choices. Joel’s death, while difficult to watch, is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for Ellie’s complex journey ahead — both in the game and on screen.

Pascal’s portrayal of Joel has been widely praised, earning him critical acclaim and solidifying his status as one of TV’s most compelling lead actors.

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Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us, Joel Death, HBO, Naughty Dog, The Last of Us Season 2, Video Game Adaptation, Abby Dever, Kaitlyn Dever, Ellie, Joel Miller, TV Character Deaths, HBO Series