The HBO TV show The Last of Us is based on the video game made by Naughty Dog, directing gamers as to the future plot, but The Last of Us's future storyline remains a mystery to non-gamers. The show followed Pedro Pascal's fearsome Joel Miller and his charge, Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey. Released in January 2023, the show was critically acclaimed for its poignant adaptation of the video game leading up to The Last of Us season 1 ending. There are some no-brainer suspicions for season 2 but for the most part, this wild ride looks fairly unpredictable.
The Last of Us season 2 will tackle the challenging task of following on from the insane drama of season 1, whereby Joel rescued Ellie, at an alarming cost. With Joel and Ellie on the road again following this shocking finale to the show's first season, the sky's the limit for the two in their run-ins with Cordyceps and journey toward peace. Cordyceps will gear up its threat, and beyond that, it's quite obscure what the future holds for Joel and Ellie. However, there are some predictions for The Last of Us season 2 that make sense, even for a non-gamer.
10 New Characters Will Become Key
The Cast Will Expand
Despite not playing the game, The Last of Us fans may well still be aware of the latest Max trailer released for the show, demonstrating various new characters. It seems certain that a few new characters will be introduced for the show's next season, bulking out the show's cast. Among the new characters seen in the trailer is a blonde woman played by Catherine O'Hara.
Catherine O'Hara may be recognizable from Schitt's Creek, but in the Max trailer, she appears to be playing a character that Joel opens up to. Catherine O'Hara's character in The Last of Us season 2 is unconfirmed, as of yet. This therapist-like figure will be one to watch in season 2, seemingly taking up an important place in the narrative.
9 Joel Will Struggle With His Guilt
Joel Bears His Burden Alone
Joel massacred numerous members of the Fireflies in order to save Ellie, then carried her unconscious form out of the surgery and into his car, where he would drive her far away. This complex decision removed Ellie from the operating theater that would have killed her, but potentially found a cure for the Cordyceps virus. This double sin is sure to play heavily on Joel's mind in The Last of Us season 2.
Joel is alone with Ellie in a post-apocalyptic world, and already struggling with PTSD and panic attacks. The psychological realism of The Last of Us season 1 was a huge highlight, so season 2 will inevitably tackle Joel's huge guilt over murder, lies, and world-shattering choices. Joel's isolation will be heartbreaking, but the show will be right to explore Joel's feelings about his morally dubious acts.
8 There Will Be Time For Fun & Games
Joel And Ellie Won't Be Alone
There is a very brief clip in The Last of Us season 2 trailer from Max that shows some kind of social event or dance taking place that Cordyceps has miraculously not ruined yet. The Last of Us dance refers back to the game, according to online sources. It looks like Joel and Ellie aren't fated to spend the whole of season 2 alone, but it's uncertain whether that's a good or a bad thing, considering all the enemies that Joel made in season 1.
It's good to see, either way, that Joel and Ellie's unusual dynamic will be processed through a social setting in season 2. This will allow them a chance to deflate from each other's company and process their thoughts on each other, and allow them to speak to others. This could be crucial in bringing them closer together, or driving them further apart.
7 Ellie Will Become A Sharp Shooter
Ellie Is Becoming A Fighter
Now that Ellie's immunity no longer provides the chance of a viral cure to Corcyceps' threat, the show will have to up the stakes, and Ellie will have to grow to defend herself from the increasing threat. Ellie was already showing signs of developing into a warrior and taking after Joel in season 1. Ellie has a new tattoo in The Last of Us season 2, and it's a sure sign of her character development as she grows up, endures more, and becomes stronger.
The Last of Us season 2 is set for release in 2025.
The Last of Us season 2 will probably see Ellie become the sharp shooter that she looks like in the trailer. Ellie will likely take on more of Joel's influence, for better or worse. This character development will likely have the positives of adopting Joel's skill and tenacity. However, becoming as ruthless as Joel may not prove to be in Ellie's best interest.
6 Riley Will Appear In Flashbacks
Ellie's Influences Won't Be Forgotten
Riley's death was a huge formative influence on Ellie, so Riley may return in flashback form. Storm Reid excelled as Riley, so it's a shame her role was cut so tragically short. Perhaps The Last of Us season 2 could bring back Reid as Ellie dreams or remembers her presence. This would be a good way to show Ellie's continuing trauma, or perhaps a conscience to balance her increasing aggression.
Riley could be a source of psychological exploration for the show's season 2 Ellie. The depth of The Last of Us season 1's characters was laudable and season 2 will find a way to honor their past. With all the new characters joining season 2, it's possible that Ellie and Joel will soon have new love interests, and new friends to protect.
5 Not Everyone Will Make It Out Alive
Some Season 1 Characters Will Die
Although it's hard to imagine the death of Joel or Ellie, it seems inevitable that at least one beloved character from season 1 will meet their end in The Last of Us season 2. Pedro Pascal's Joel is a tour de force, recalling Pascal's epic performance as the Mandalorian. Meanwhile, Bella Ramsey's breakout roles as Lyanna in Game of Thrones and Ellie in The Last of Us set them up for a massive career.
So, it seems more likely that season 2 will target a character of less importance, like Tommy. Regardless, with no cure for the Cordyceps and the threat escalating, there will be carnage and death in season 2. That said, it may remain possible that some cure for Cordyceps can still be found, somewhat ameliorating the risk posed to characters.
4 Ellie Will Find Out What Happened
Joel Can't Hide The Truth Forever
Following Joel's unbelievable butchering of all Fireflies that stood in his way in The Last of Us season 1, Joel will be shouldering a huge secret in season 2. Having lied to Ellie about what happened and sworn that he was telling the truth, the reveal of Joel's secret is sure to happen sooner or later. And when it does, it will have huge consequences.
Joel may prove unable to withstand the guilt of his lie and may come clean to Ellie. Alternatively, some more unfortunate or disturbing event may take place that brings the truth crashing down on Joel. Perhaps news of Joel's slaughter will reach someone that Ellie meets, and she will find out the truth from them. This would prove far worse than hearing the truth from Joel.
3 Jackson Will Face Attack
Cordyceps Will Storm Jackson
Cordyceps will continue to rise in The Last of Us season 2 and may even keep evolving, and it certainly won't leave the show's protagonists alone. A Cordyceps swarm will attack Jackson, by the looks of the trailer released by Max previewing The Last of Us season 2. The trailer shows a group of zombie-like figures running towards the town's walls, promising a showdown between the show's monsters and its human survivors.
Jackson should remain a hub of safety, likely enabling the social event promised for season 2 in the trailer.
Jackson faced its share of difficulties in season 1, but will continue standing in season 2 as one of the final outposts of humans surviving the Cordyceps' reign of terror. Jackson should remain a hub of safety, likely enabling the social event promised for season 2 in the trailer. Perhaps the Cordyceps' assault of Jackson will result in the death of a major character like Tommy or Maria.
2 Ellie Will Withdraw From Joel
Joel's Secret Will Come Between Him & Ellie
Joel is destined to remain a father figure to Ellie until the end of his days, but it's uncertain whether Ellie will continue to see Joel as a valid carer after his lie is revealed. Joel killing a whole building of people in Ellie's name and robbing her of her destiny as humanity's savior may well not sit well with her. But it is perhaps Joel's lie in The Last of Us season 1, after swearing he was telling the truth, that will anger Ellie the most.
Ellie may withdraw from Joel after finding out the truth. Or, worse, she may run away, putting herself in danger. If she is separated from Joel, this would give season 2 an interesting opportunity to expand both characters on their own, once given space. Whatever happens, The Last of Usseason 2 is sure to drive a wedge between Joel and Ellie.
1 Joel's Massacre Will Come Back To Haunt Him
Murder Has Consequences
Joel's murder of the Fireflies in The Last of Us season 1 should have big consequences in season 2, as no crime this big goes unpunished in drama TV shows. It's not entirely clear how Joel's spectacular rescue of Ellie will impact season 2 but there is the chance of someone enacting revenge on Joel for his actions. Perhaps an onlooker during the events of season 1 will be pursuing Joel in season 2.
Whether or not anyone seeks revenge on Joel, Joel's life can never be the same again after he turned so many people against him with his crimes. Joel will face rejection from Ellie in lieu of his kills, and possibly justice from other parties. There is always a chance that Joel's mental health will get the better of him and he will circle back to the self-destructive tendencies he displayed in the past. Either way, The Last of Us season 2 is sure to be devastating for both Ellie and Joel.
