The Last of Us Showrunner Drops Cryptic Hint: Is Joel Really Gone Forever?

by

This article contains spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2

Summary

  • Showrunner suggests Joel’s storyline may not be over, leaving room for intrigue & potential return.
  • Joel’s death in S2 is brutal, indicating he won’t return, but show hints at possible narrative opportunities.
  • Changes from the game raise interest in Joel’s future in the show, blurring line between finality and storytelling.

Craig Mazin, the showrunner for “The Last of Us”, has finally spoken up regarding the intense scene involving Joel in Episode 2 of Season 2. He subtly hinted at the question of whether we’ve witnessed the beloved character for the final time on our screens, leaving viewers curious.

Following an intense first episode, the second installment of the popular HBO series took a grim twist as Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever) encountered Joel (Pedro Pascal) in the harsh climate of Jackson, Wyoming. Meanwhile, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) was on a mission to locate Joel and Dina (Isabel Merced), eventually reaching the resort where they had been taken. Regrettably, she couldn’t prevent Joel from meeting his fate, and viewers witnessed a shocking death scene. Despite Joel’s demise, showrunner Mazin hinted that this grisly event may not be the last time we see Joel on The Last of Us.

The Last of US Showrunner knows about the “gaps” in Joel and Ellie’s story, and has a cryptic response about it

During the discussion about the death scene in episode 2 of The Last of Us podcast, Mazin acknowledged that some parts of the storyline might be puzzling to viewers. Nevertheless, he emphasized that there are still uncovered aspects of Joel and Ellie’s story which will be revealed in future episodes. Mazin added, “I want to point out that while there are some enigmas regarding Ellie and Joel’s connection, I don’t consider it a spoiler given the trailer that’s been released, as this is not the end of Joel’s story.

This assertion doesn’t just comfort fans about Joel’s adventure, but it also stirs curiosity about his journey. It implies that what appears to be an ending might actually be a temporary halt, not the last chapter. By highlighting intentional gaps, Mazin encourages viewers to explore deeper into the story’s emotional aspects.

How did Joel die in The Last of Us Season 2?

In the second installment of “The Last of Us” Season 2, Joel and his companion, Dina, embarked on a scouting mission that led them into treacherous winter conditions, despite Tommy having warned of worsening snowstorms. Caught too far ahead, they missed the warning. During their patrol, Joel encountered a woman under attack by infected creatures and intervened, saving her from certain death. Remarkably, the woman, later identified as Abby, was unaware that her rescuer was none other than the man she sought to destroy. This revelation came when Dina called out Joel’s name. Once aware of Joel’s true identity, Abby swiftly guided them to a resort inhabited by Fireflies members. Meanwhile, Ellie and Jesse once more ventured from their settlement in search of Joel and Dina.

Upon arrival at the resort, Abby confided to Joel about her identity, and it was he who had murdered her father in Salt Lake City during an attempt to protect Ellie. To simplify their predicament, they drugged Dina so she wouldn’t awaken for a few hours. This alteration is significant since, in the game, Tommy accompanies Joel when Abby attempts to kill him; in the show, however, Tommy remains in Jackson defending against the infected that invaded their settlement. Subsequently, the gruesome violence witnessed was reminiscent of what gamers experienced while playing The Last of Us Part II. In the series, Abby did not spare Joel, viciously attacking him with a golf club and repeatedly striking him. Despite Ellie locating her family, she couldn’t save them, and with one crushing blow, Abby ended Joel’s life at the resort.

In the manner Joel perished in the show, it’s clear he won’t be making a comeback. Yet, Mazin’s remarks spark curiosity among viewers about how this famous character might reappear and enhance the plot. His comments blur the boundary between end and beginning, suggesting that Joel’s influence might extend beyond the physical realm. This could happen through flashbacks, memories, or unexpected turns, potentially offering a more nuanced understanding of Ellie’s emotional development—and possibly reshaping the story’s fundamental themes.

The Last of Us Season 2 is streaming exclusively on MAX.

Read More

2025-04-22 16:49