The Last of Us HBO series has taken the world by storm, and it’s difficult to imagine anyone other than Pedro Pascal playing Joel Miller. However, it seems that another prestigious actor was once considered for the role.
In a recent interview, Jeffrey Pierce, who played Perry on the show and provided the voice for Tommy Miller in the original video games, confirmed that Mahershala Ali was approached to play Joel.
The idea of Mahershala Ali as Joel surfaced in early 2021, but it was unclear whether the actor had actually been offered the role. Pierce’s comments confirm that Ali was indeed considered for the part, which could have completely changed the dynamic of the series.
While Pascal won over fans with his portrayal of Joel, it’s interesting to consider how the show would have been received if Ali had been cast.
As a two-time Oscar winner for his roles in Moonlight and Green Book, Ali certainly has the acting chops to pull off such a complex character.
Of course, we’ll never know for sure, as Pascal ultimately got the part. However, it’s fascinating to learn about the other actors who were considered for the role.
According to reports, Matthew McConaughey also turned down the part, and Troy Baker, who plays Joel in the video games, recommended Josh Brolin.
Despite the initial criticism, The Last of Us HBO series has become a hit with fans and critics alike. It’s exciting to think about what the future holds for the show, and who knows, maybe we’ll see Mahershala Ali in a different role in the world of The Last of Us. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
