Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey React to Shocking Twist in ‘The Last of Us’: Emotional Insights from the Star-Studded Cast

Spoilers Ahead: The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2

Pedro Pascal recently opened up about a shocking moment in the latest episode of “The Last of Us.” In a surprising turn of events, his character, Joel, meets a tragic end at the hands of Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. This brutal scene mirrors a pivotal moment from the "The Last of Us Part II" video game, so Pascal was aware that his time in the role would be limited.

“It wasn’t like they told me outright, ‘You will be killed in Season 2,’” Pascal explained in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. He noted that the creators aimed to stay true to the game while still providing surprises for viewers. It all came down to how and when Joel’s story would unfold.

Pascal expressed deep respect for the emotional connections fans have with stories. “I’ve thrown books across the room because of how much they touched me,” he shared during HBO’s aftershow. “It’s painful for fans when a character they love is lost. That speaks to the power of storytelling.”

In the episode, Abby confronts Joel, revealing herself as the daughter of the doctor he killed in Season 1 to save Ellie. The sequence escalates to a heart-wrenching climax where Joel suffers a brutal fate. Despite the violence of the scenes, Pascal found a bond with Dever through their work, saying it’s odd how such tragic moments can connect actors on a personal level.

His makeup for the scene left quite an impression on set. “It was interesting to see the reactions on everyone’s faces. It wasn’t revulsion; it was heartbreak,” he remarked.

Facing Joel’s demise has left Pascal in a state of “active denial.” “I’m learning to accept that nothing lasts forever, but I cherish the connections I’ve made with everyone involved in this project,” he added.

Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie, also felt the weight of Joel’s death. “I knew it was coming but reading that part of the script made me cry. I sobbed my heart out,” she admitted.

Craig Mazin, the show’s co-creator, discussed why they chose this moment for Joel’s exit. In an interview with Variety, he mentioned that dragging the anticipation could torment viewers. “If people know it’s coming, they’ll start feeling uneasy,” he explained. The goal was to make the moment fit naturally within the plot rather than just shock the audience.

This moment is pivotal not just for the characters but for the entire series. As Season 2 unfolds, the focus shifts away from Joel and Ellie’s relationship to explore new dynamics. This shift promises new storytelling opportunities, touching on themes of revenge and loss.

The intense reactions from fans on social media reflect the impact of the show. Many have expressed their grief over Joel’s fate, sharing their feelings on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. The emotional resonance of these characters has sparked discussions about storytelling and character development in both gaming and television.

For more insights into the show’s creative decisions, you can explore the full interview with the creators at Variety.

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