Did 'The Last of Us' Really Kill Off Joel, Pedro Pascal's Character?

Note to reader: major spoilers ahead.

If you watched last night’s episode of The Last of Us Season 2 without being a diehard gamer, chances are you're still reeling. The HBO hit series, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, delivered a chilling second episode that left fans questioning everything, especially the fate of one of its leading characters. Unfortunately, we are here to confirm that the anti-hero lead character, Joel (played by favorite actor Pascal) is dead.

If you’re confused, angry, or straight-up heartbroken, you’re not alone. Killing off a main character this early—especially someone as central as Joel—feels like a sucker punch to the gut. Isn’t this just Episode 2? What’s the rush in him dying? What's going to happen next? Is there any chance he could come back? Is he actually dead? Fans of the show justifiably have many burning questions right now.

Keep scrolling to read on and learn if he's really dead and what's next. L'OFFICIEL is here to break it down, from Joel’s death scene to what will happen ahead in this beloved TV series.

Is Joel Really Dead in The Last of Us?

We hate to break it to you, but yes. Joel dies in Season 2. Really. While the show is set in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi world and the second episode fell on Easter Sunday, there’s no resurrection happening here. Just like in the video game, Joel’s death at the hands of Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever) is a crucial—and painful—turning point.

For some backstory: Abby was part of the Fireflies, a faction seeking a cure for the infection plaguing the world. Her father was the surgeon whom Joel killed at the end of Season 1 while rescuing Ellie (played by Ramsie) from a fatal medical procedure. Abby’s yearslong quest for revenge led her to Joel, who ironically saves her from an infected attack before she lures him to a remote cabin. That’s where the brutality unfolds: Joel is slowly and gruesomely killed in front of Ellie. 

No matter how you spin it, a stake through the neck doesn’t leave much room for a comeback.

The Last of Us Video Game vs. TV Show 

The HBO series closely mirrors the video game's major plot points, but some tweaks have sparked discussion. For one, Joel’s final words differ. In the game, he defiantly says: “Why don't you just say whatever speech you've got rehearsed and get this over with.” The show gives him a colder, more resigned farewell: “Oh, shut the fuck up and do it already.”

There’s also the added chaos of a massive Infected swarm invading Jackson—an adrenaline-pumping sequence that wasn’t in the game, and had viewers covering their eyes for the entirety of the scene. Fans are split on whether it enhanced the episode or distracted from Joel’s demise. Online forums, especially on the show's subreddit, are buzzing with debate, particularly around how the show portrays Abby. Some viewers feel the series is softening her character to make her more likable to viewers. Whether that’s working remains to be seen.

What Happens Next in The Last of Us?

With Joel gone, the story now shifts to focus on Ellie. Fueled by rage and overwhelming grief, she vows to avenge Joel’s death, setting up a revenge-driven arc that will likely carry the rest of the season—and perhaps Season 3, which has already been confirmed by HBO. 

But don’t completely rule out future Pedro Pascal appearances, or at least we hope. Flashbacks, dream sequences, and hallucinations are common tools in TV storytelling. (Just ask Yellowjackets and Ella Purnell’s recurring dead character, Jackie). Joel may be gone, but he could still linger in Ellie’s mind—and on our screens.

So, while this might be goodbye to Joel in the present timeline, there’s still hope we haven’t seen the last of Pedro Pascal.