HBO’s The Last of Us might draw heavily on its source material, but it does make several changes to the award-winning narrative-driven Naughty Dog franchise, often to the improvement of the live-action adaptation. But, in Season 2, one of the most heart wrenching things to ever happen in a story has to happen to move narrative forward. Or, at least, that’s what most are assuming would be the case.
Pedro Pascal, renowned for his portrayal of Joel Miller in HBO’s hit series, recently sparked intrigue about his character’s journey in the show’s upcoming second season.
At the Sundance Film Festival premiere of his movie, Freaky Tales, Pascal, who has spent the past weeks recovering from a shoulder injury, engaged in conversation with Deadline about the highly anticipated sequel of the series.
The Emmy-nominated actor, known for his captivating performances, has become synonymous with the character Joel from The Last of Us, winning over the hearts of fans after his performance in the first season. This association, alongside Pascal’s starpower, has led to speculations about a change to Joel’s narrative arc in the forthcoming season, especially considering the pivotal events surrounding the character in the original video game, The Last of Us Part 2.
When pressed for details, Pascal skillfully maintained an air of mystery. He hinted that the show’s creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, might be planning surprises that deviate from the game’s storyline.
Pascal’s comments suggest a potential divergence from the game’s narrative, where Joel’s fate is a significant plot point. This deviation could be a strategic move by the showrunners, presumably to take advantage of the character’s immense popularity and Pascal’s aforementioned star power. Moreover, given the contentious reception of some story elements in The Last of Us Part II among fans, the series might be looking to explore alternative narrative paths.
For those who haven’t played the games before, the second (and future) seasons of The Last of Us will adapt the events of The Last of Us Part II, which takes place four years after the original game. The game’s narrative has been polarizing within the fan community, particularly regarding the introduction of the character Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever in the series. Abby’s actions, notably her role in Joel’s storyline, have been a topic of intense debate among fans.
Adding to the complexity of Joel’s character arc, Pascal’s comments reveal that he’s either playing coy or he isn’t entirely privy to all details of the upcoming season. If it’s the latter, this lack of complete information on his part keeps the fans guessing about the direction the series will take. Furthermore, with recent casting announcements for Season 2, including roles such as Abby, Jesse, and Dina, the plot’s trajectory remains a topic of interest and speculation.
While the possibility of a deviation from the game’s narrative exists, it does show that the showrunners aren’t afraid to take creative liberties. This approach allows for a fresh if more nuanced perspective on the story while maintaining the essence of the beloved franchise.
With Pascal’s nuanced portrayal of Joel, the anticipation for the second season of The Last of Us continues to grow as it promises a compelling continuation of the saga.
As HBO’s The Last of Us prepares for its next season, Pascal’s remarks leave the audiences eagerly awaiting how future seasons will unfold. With its blend of faithful adaptation and potential narrative innovations, the show continues to be a focal point of discussion in the entertainment world.
