Will Joel Return in The Last Of Us Season 2? Pedro Pascal’s Fate After Episode 2 Shocker

Warning: This article contains major spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, “Through the Valley.” Proceed with caution if you haven’t watched the episode.

HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 has left fans reeling after the gut-wrenching death of Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal, in Episode 2.

The question on everyone’s mind is: Will Joel return in The Last of Us Season 2? While Joel’s brutal demise at the hands of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) marks a pivotal moment in the series, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have hinted that Pascal’s beloved character isn’t entirely gone from the narrative. Drawing from the source material, The Last of Us Part II, and recent interviews, this article explores where and how viewers can expect to see Joel in the remaining episodes of Season 2, despite his heartbreaking exit.

How Did Joel Die in Season 2, Episode 2?

In Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley,” Joel meets a tragic end that mirrors the controversial moment from The Last of Us Part II video game.

While on patrol in Jackson, Wyoming, Joel and Dina (Isabela Merced) rescue Abby from a horde of infected. Unbeknownst to Joel, Abby is the daughter of the Firefly surgeon he killed in Season 1 to save Ellie (Bella Ramsey).

After luring Joel to a ski lodge, Abby exacts her revenge, shooting him in the leg and beating him with a golf club before delivering a fatal blow to his neck. Ellie arrives too late to save him, witnessing the horrific scene in a moment that has shattered fans.

This brutal death, filmed in Kamloops, Canada, over two days in March 2024, was a carefully crafted sequence designed to maximize emotional impact. Pascal himself described the experience as surreal, noting the cast and crew’s heartbreak on set.

Will Joel Appear in Flashbacks?

Despite Joel’s death, Pedro Pascal is confirmed to return in The Last of Us Season 2 through flashback sequences, a storytelling device heavily utilized in The Last of Us Part II. Showrunner Craig Mazin has teased that the show will “screw around with time,” ensuring that characters like Joel remain present in meaningful ways.

Trailers for Season 2 have already showcased several scenes featuring Joel that haven’t yet aired, indicating his continued presence in Ellie’s memories or past events.

One confirmed flashback is the museum scene, set three years before Season 2’s main timeline, where Joel takes Ellie to the Wyoming Museum of Science and History for her 16th birthday. Fans of the game will recognize this heartfelt moment, featuring Joel and Ellie exploring a T-Rex statue. Another likely flashback involves Joel’s killing of Eugene, a character mentioned in Season 2, Episode 1, whose death at Joel’s hands remains unexplored.

Could Joel Appear in Ellie’s Dreams or Hallucinations?

Beyond flashbacks, there’s speculation that Joel could appear in Ellie’s dreams or hallucinations, reflecting her unresolved grief and trauma. The Last of Us Part II uses similar narrative techniques to explore Ellie’s complex emotions toward Joel, especially after his lie about the Firefly hospital.

While the show hasn’t confirmed dream sequences, Pascal hinted at keeping “how and where” Joel’s appearances occur a secret to preserve the surprise for viewers.

This approach would allow the series to delve into Ellie’s psychological state, potentially showing Joel in imagined conversations or visions as she grapples with his loss. Such scenes could mirror the game’s non-linear storytelling, where Joel’s presence lingers through Ellie’s memories and regrets.

How Many Episodes Will Feature Pedro Pascal?

While Joel’s death occurs early in Season 2, Pedro Pascal is expected to appear in more than half of the season’s seven episodes. The exact number remains unconfirmed, but Mazin has reassured fans that there’s “a good amount of Pedro and Bella together,” suggesting multiple flashback scenes. These moments are likely to focus on key events from the five-year time jump between Seasons 1 and 2, such as Joel teaching Ellie the guitar or confronting his lie about the Fireflies.

Pascal’s busy schedule, including roles in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Materialists, hasn’t limited his involvement, as the show’s creators prioritized his return for these pivotal scenes.

Why Is Joel’s Death Essential to the Story?

Joel’s death is a cornerstone of The Last of Us Part II and Season 2, driving Ellie’s journey of revenge and self-discovery. Mazin and Druckmann have emphasized that omitting this moment was never an option, despite Pascal’s popularity. “If you’re going to tell a story about consequences, you need the world to provide feedback,” Mazin said, highlighting the narrative necessity of Joel’s fate.

The show’s fidelity to the game ensures that Joel’s death sets up the emotional and thematic arcs for Ellie, Abby, and other characters. However, the inclusion of new material, like Abby’s expanded backstory and a monologue before Joel’s death, suggests the show may enhance these flashbacks to deepen the audience’s connection to Joel.

What Have the Creators and Cast Said About Joel’s Return?

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have been vocal about Joel’s continued relevance. Mazin noted that “characters are gone but not forgotten,” while Druckmann emphasized the interconnectedness of Seasons 1 and 2, hinting at revisiting earlier moments. Pedro Pascal, in an emotional interview with Entertainment Weekly, expressed being in “active denial” about Joel’s death, underscoring the profound bond he shares with the cast and character.

Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie, also shared her devastation, revealing she “sobbed” while reading the script. Yet, she and Pascal both hinted at exciting, unrevealed scenes that will keep Joel’s spirit alive.

Some Closing Thoughts: Joel’s Lasting Legacy

While Joel Miller’s death in The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, marks the end of his physical journey, Pedro Pascal’s portrayal will continue to resonate through flashbacks and possibly Ellie’s dreams. These moments promise to honor the deep bond between Joel and Ellie, offering fans closure and new insights into their relationship.

As The Last of Us Season 2 unfolds on HBO, viewers can look forward to seeing Joel in unexpected yet poignant ways, ensuring his legacy endures in this heart-wrenching tale of loss and love.

Tune in Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max to catch the next chapter.