Fresh off his SAG Award win for Outstanding Performance in a Drama Series, Pedro Pascal has opened up about returning to the role of Joel for the highly anticipated second season of HBO’s The Last of Us.
In an interview with Deadline, Pascal described the experience of going back into production as “amazing,” praising the incredible focus and dedication of the cast and crew. Despite having already brought Joel to life in the first season, Pascal said stepping into the character’s shoes again “feels strangely brand new.”
The actor credited showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann for the original vision that allows him to keep developing and authoring Joel’s story. He feels he’s learning something new every day and will likely be thinking about the complex role for the rest of his life.
Pascal “Learning Every Day” Reprising Joel in The Last of Us Season 2
Season 2 will pick up after the events of the season 1 finale, where Joel saved Ellie’s life but lied to her about what really happened. This choice seems destined to fracture the father-daughter bond between the pair, setting them on a difficult road that will explore the consequences of Joel’s actions.
Pascal will be joined by returning co-star Bella Ramsey as Ellie, along with several new cast members playing pivotal roles from the acclaimed video game sequel The Last of Us Part II. This includes Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, and Lamar Johnson as Jesse.
The Last of Us Star Finds Joel “Brand New” In Season 2
While fans already know the basic story beats, Pascal teased that Mazin and Druckmann will continue infusing the series with original twists. His contagious excitement promises the emotional depth and complexity that earned the first season widespread acclaim will carry through to the sophomore outing.
Even though filming is well underway, HBO has yet to announce a premiere target for The Last of Us Season 2. But whenever it arrives in late 2023 or 2024, Pascal’s stellar performance is sure to once again anchor an unforgettable story about the lengths we go for those we love.
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