Eugene in The Last of Us Season 2: Joel’s Secret May Be Upended

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Summary

  • New character Eugene in The Last of Us Season 2 might expose Joel’s secret about the lie he told Ellie.
  • Eugene, played by Joe Pantoliano, is expected to have a significant impact on Joel and Ellie’s relationship.
  • Fans theorize Eugene’s past as a Firefly could lead to uncovering the truth about Joel’s actions in the new season.

In the latest sneak peek of The Last of Us Season 2, viewers caught a glimpse of a new character set to enrich the series, yet there’s speculation that this individual might stir up considerable complications for Joel’s concealed past. HBO’s acclaimed adaptation of Naughty Dog’s popular video game series has closely adhered to its original storyline during Season 1, but it appears that The Last of Us Season 2 is poised to introduce some narrative twists.

The series has taken significant departures, particularly in the poignant and captivating tale presented in Season One’s episode “Long, Long Time,” which provided Bill and Frank with rich backstories that resonated deeply with longtime fans of The Last of Us, as they had not encountered Frank in the game and knew only that Bill was a gruff survivalist. It appears that Season 2 may follow a similar path, delving deeper into a character who not only did players of the sequel not encounter but also know very little about. However, this newly developed character might walk on “thin ice” when it comes to revealing Joel’s deepest secrets.

The Last of Us Season 2’s Eugene Might Be the Catalyst for Exposing Joel’s Secret

Actor Joe Pantoliano, known for his roles in movies like “The Matrix” and “Memento,” is set to play the character of Eugene in “The Last of Us” Season 2. Although specific details about Eugene’s part are yet to be revealed, it appears that he will significantly impact the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Previously, showrunner Neil Druckmann hinted at Eugene’s expanded role, stating, “This character’s entrance really delves into the emotions of Joel and Ellie and their bond.” Fans speculate that Eugene may be introduced to uncover a secret about the lie Joel told Ellie.

In the climactic episode of The Last of Us Season 1, I found myself watching as Joel took on the Fireflies in the hospital, aiming to rescue Ellie from doctors desperate to perform a brain operation that could potentially lead to a cure for the virus. Tragically, this procedure would have resulted in Ellie’s death, a fate Joel vehemently opposed. In his efforts to save her, Joel deceived Ellie, telling her the doctors had failed to create a vaccine. However, it seemed as though Ellie was already starting to suspect something wasn’t quite right. Now, in the trailer for The Last of Us Season 2, there’s a glimpse of Eugene standing near Joel, both with guns in hand. Fans speculate that Joel may have discovered through his former Firefly connections that Eugene has uncovered the truth about his secret, and is planning to reveal it.

As a movie buff, I can’t help but ponder if Eugene, given his past as a firefly, might uncover what transpired at Salt Lake City, leading to Joel taking his life to preserve the secrecy. Another fan on Reddit seems to share this theory by suggesting that perhaps Eugene informs or even threatens Tommy and him about the fireflies. Since we’ve already witnessed Ellie discovering Joel’s secret in the trailer where she says, “You swore,” it appears Joel’s story of how his secret is revealed may have deviated from the hospital flashback sequence seen in the game. Instead, it’s possible that Eugene discloses the heartbreaking truth to Ellie, ultimately leading to his demise at the hands of Joel.

The Last of Us season 2 will be released via HBO on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

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2025-03-13 17:54