The Last of Us Season 2: Will Pedro Pascal Return After Joel’s Shocking fate?

Pedro Pascal is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood right now- headlining everything from Freaky Tales and Materialists to Marvel’s upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps as Reed Richards. Also, he plays Joel in HBO’s The Last of Us, the role that turned him into the internet's favorite TV dad. But with so many projects lined up, fans have been wondering: will Pascal return to The Last of Us season two after his character met a gruesome fate, or has Joel’s journey come to an end?

What Happens to Joel in The Last of Us Season 2?

The heartbreaking moment arrived earlier than most expected. In episode two of The Last of Us season two, Joel met a brutal end at the hands of Abby. After saving Abby from a horde of infected, Joel gets lured to her hideout, where she reveals that he killed her father, the surgeon from the Firefly facility in season 1.

She exacts her revenge with a shotgun blast to his leg and a fatal blow with a golf club, all witnessed by Ellie. The scene was an almost- faithful adaptation of The Last of Us Part II game, where Joel’s death happens very early.

Did Pedro Pascal Leave the show?

It’s less about Pascal leaving the show and more about the story always having a set path. When Pascal signed on to play Joel, he knew his character's fate was sealed early in season two. His exit wasn't a creative twist or scheduling issue—it was simply the course of the narrative.

Is this the end for Joel?

Not quite. While Joel’s death marks a turning point in the story, it’s not the last we’ll see of Pedro Pascal this season. Just like in the game, The Last of Us season two will include multiple flashback scenes that show Joel and Ellie during better times. HBO has already teased scenes in trailers and stills that are clearly flashbacks, offering fans more of the father-daughter-like bond that made season one so powerful.

Among the most anticipated is the “porch scene,” a key emotional moment between Joel and Ellie that was missing from episode one. Showrunners have hinted that these moments are coming later in the season—likely when they’ll hit us hardest, emotionally.

Pedro Pascal’s Future with the Franchise

Even as Joel’s story winds down, Pedro Pascal’s presence looms large over the series. His performance helped shape The Last of Us into a cultural phenomenon, and his upcoming appearances will continue to impact Ellie’s emotional arc as she navigates grief and vengeance. So while his time on the show may be limited, it’s far from over.

Where can you Stream The Last of Us Season 2?

The Last of Us season two is now streaming on HBO and Max, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays. The third episode will premiere on April 27, 2025. If you want to refresh your memory, we have recaps of Episode 1 and Episode 2.

Also Read: The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1: All the Easter Eggs and Game Changes you Might have Missed