‘Last of Us’ Creators Address Joel’s Season 2 Death

Pedro Pascal's character Joel was killed in Season 2 of HBO's The Last of Us, closely following the original video game's storyline and sparking strong fan backlash. Series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann defended the decision by emphasizing their commitment to the source material and noting the increased pressure after a successful first season. Mazin assured fans that Pascal himself is alive and continues to succeed in major film and TV franchises. Pascal admitted he was in 'active denial' about his character's fate, while his family also expressed emotional reactions. The creators highlighted that intense audience responses reflect the show's impact and the creative risks of adaptation. Discussions continue around Pascal's reputation for memorable on-screen deaths and the challenges of balancing fan expectations with storytelling.