With the recent end of "The Last of Us" series on HBO, many fans have several guesses on how it would turn out in Season 2, particularly for those who already know what happens in the game's Part 2. That being said, a showrunner of "The Last of Us" has recently spoken out about possible changes for Joel's fate, given that Pedro Pascal's character is also a fan-favorite in the series.
'The Last of Us' Season 2: Will Pedro Pascal's Joel Change Plot?
*MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD*
"The Last of Us" Season 2 from HBO is currently developing what is coming next, and in an interview with Esquire, TLOU showrunner Craig Mazin addresses a concern of fans and gamers for Joel's story in the upcoming sequel.
Here, Mazin was asked regarding Joel's death in "The Last of Us Part 2" to be the same in the upcoming season of the series. The showrunner's first response is that there he is known to kill off characters, having no fear in doing so.
However, what follows in his statement may be conflicting with what he first said, about Joel's fate in Season 2.
"But the important thing to note is that neither Neil [Druckmann, who co-created and exec-produces the series with Mazin] nor I feel constrained by the source material," says Mazin.
Read also: 'The Last of Us' Series S1: Villain Actress Wants an Origin Story Despite Not Appearing in Game
TLOU Part 2 and Series' Season 2 May Not Be the Same
What showrunners proved in the TLOU series in Season 1 is that it stayed faithful to the source material while adding their creative inputs to drive the plot more, making it more interesting to viewers.
Pedro Pascal and Joel grew to be lovable characters for many, both in the game and series—as well as for the actor and game character.
And with Season 2 on the books, there may be significant changes coming, particularly to Joel's ending which ends in a brutal massacre from Abby and her friends, driving Ellie to avenge Joel ruthlessly.
'The Last of Us' Franchise
When Naughty Dog gave the world "The Last of Us" almost ten years ago, it changed the gaming industry with its significant plot and action, making it an instant fan-favorite over the years. Being a massive game that was well-received by gamers, there were massive requests to have it on the PC, which the creators have answered in the present.
TLOU's franchise is one of the modern classics available now, and despite the many issues from gamers with the way they ran "The Last of Us Part 2," it still gives a significant sequel to the first game.
Part 1 already received its on-screen live-action adaptation from HBO, with Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, and other beloved characters of the franchise. Fans are now looking forward to how Season 2 will turn out, expected to be based on the game's Part 2.
With Joel's death in the game known as a major plot element that drives Ellie to go on an endless cycle of revenge which she puts a stop to in the anti-climactic ending, it is unknown if this would remain for the series' Season 2. Mazin may have revealed that they have the liberty to veer off from the source material but provides a conflicting insight that he is comfortable with killing off characters, despite being well-loved.
