The Last of Us showrunner, Craig Mazin, revealed Joel’s enigmatic journey in the show’s second season.
The Last of Us series continues to captivate audiences as we brace ourselves for the sophomore season. Craig Mazin, the showrunner, played coy when grilled about the possible fate of Joel, portrayed by the inimitable Pedro Pascal. This reticence is not surprising considering how The Last of Us Part II shocked the gaming world by killing off Joel early on.
The fans have been in fervent speculation whether the TV adaptation would tread the same path, especially after the first season's fidelity to the game. Mazin's tight-lipped attitude came into full display in an interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.
When asked if Joel's death would be a "slavish interpretation" or something they could take creative liberties with, Mazin skillfully deflected, asserting that he couldn’t reveal anything. However, he did give an insight into the delicate art of adaptation, stressing that while there is an expectation to hit the main points of the source material, the "how" is what matters.
He hinted that they might not adhere strictly to the game but are considering what’s best for the show. Mazin was also questioned about whether there was already a plan in place regarding how Joel's demise would be dealt with in Season 2. He was adamant that they knew what they were doing but remained cryptic.
Joel’s Fate is Shrouded in Secrecy
He didn’t give away any details, maintaining that the creative crew had a solid plan in mind for the execution, but whether this includes Joel's death or not was left mysteriously open. One can’t help but wonder how Season 2 will handle Joel's fate, given the tsunami of speculation surrounding his character.
The creative team’s silence about the matter hints at the possibility of a significant revelation in the coming season. Season 1 managed to strike a fine balance between being faithful to the game and including its own spins on specific plot points. This could very well hint at what’s in store for Joel – an adaptation that takes cues from the game but isn’t afraid to carve its own path.
Furthermore, if The Last of Us Part II is any indication, we might see Joel’s death early on in Season 2. This could also align with Bella Ramsey's earlier tease about Pedro Pascal having a reduced role in the forthcoming season. The truth on the series’ plot is still wrapped in mystery. All the fans can do is wait, speculate, and be prepared for the thrilling ride that awaits them in the coming season.
While the game’s followers might be yearning for some assurance on the trajectory of Joel's character, Mazin and the creative team are guarding this information like the crown jewels. The second season of The Last of Us promises to be an engrossing affair. Whether or not Joel meets his end, and how it’s portrayed, is a closely guarded secret, waiting to either break hearts or send them racing with unexpected twists.
