The Shocking Exit: Joel's Fate in The Last of Us

The second season of "The Last of Us" kicked off with a major twist that left many viewers stunned. Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel, was aware that his character's end would be tough for fans to swallow. The brutal killing of Joel in the second episode of the season was a direct nod to the events in the video game "The Last of Us Part II. " In this episode, Joel meets his end at the hands of Abby, a former Firefly. This character is driven by a desire for revenge against Joel for killing her father and other Firefly soldiers in the first season. The scene takes place in a mountain lodge, not far from where Joel's town is under attack by infected creatures. Abby, armed with a golf club and a spike, delivers the fatal blows. This shocking moment was not a surprise to Pascal, who understood that the show would stay true to the game's storyline. He shared that he was in "active denial" about Joel's exit, finding it hard to accept that his time as Joel was over. Pascal's departure from the show does not mean the end of his acting career. He has other projects lined up, including "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" and "Materialists, " both set to hit theaters soon. Fans of the show have been vocal about their reactions to Joel's death. Pascal understands their frustration, having experienced similar feelings when favorite characters meet their end in stories he loves. The show's creator has confirmed that "The Last of Us" will return for a third season. However, it is unlikely that Pascal will be part of it, except perhaps in flashbacks. This news has been met with mixed reactions from fans, who are still processing Joel's abrupt exit. The actor's performance as Joel has been praised, and his absence will be felt in the upcoming seasons. The show's after-show featured Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie, sharing her emotional response to Joel's death. She revealed that she cried while reading the script, highlighting the impact of the scene.