Pedro Pascal's Joel dies in shocking twist on The Last of Us
- HBO's adaptation has diverged from the original game's character arcs and events, prompting mixed reactions.
- Joel's death by Abby serves as a critical moment in the narrative, challenging viewers' emotional connection.
- The show faces an uphill battle in establishing empathy for Abby, with fans voicing concern over audience engagement.
In the United States, HBO's adaptation of 'The Last of Us' shocked fans with a pivotal character death seen in the recent episode. Pedro Pascal, who played Joel, faced a brutal end at the hands of Kaitlyn Dever's character, Abby, on April 20, 2025. Abby's motivation for killing Joel stems from his actions in the previous season, where he saved Ellie by executing her father, a doctor associated with the Firefly organization. The horrifying scene marked a significant turning point in the narrative, reflecting the divisive nature of the story portrayed in the video game it is based on. The adaptation has faced challenges in garnering sympathy for Abby after such a monstrous act, contrasting with the complex relationships developed in the game's story. Viewers have expressed confusion regarding how the show will depict Abby's character going forward, as players originally experienced her motivations through interactive gameplay, forging a deeper connection than passive viewing allows. The change in medium raises questions about narrative depth and emotional impact, especially in light of Joel's character being a beloved protagonist for viewers. Following the airing of the episode, Pedro Pascal openly discussed his mixed feelings about Joel's death, admitting he is in 'active denial' regarding the finality of his character's fate. In an effort to shield Dever from negative backlash reminiscent of the treatment faced by Laura Bailey, the original voice actor of Abby in the video game, Pascal utilized social media to promote kindness towards the actress. The show's team appears intent on mitigating previous controversies that emerged when players reacted negatively to the game's plot twists and character arcs. As the story progresses, there is a growing apprehension among audiences about how adequately the adaptation can evoke empathy for a character who committed such a shocking act. Many players felt a deep connection to both Joel and Ellie throughout the first season, and the change to the narrative focusing more on Abby's perspective presents a significant challenge in maintaining this emotional engagement. In this adaptation, the underlying themes of revenge, loyalty, and moral ambiguity remain crucial for understanding character motivations and evolving relationships. A successful portrayal of these themes will determine the reception of the series as it continues to unfold.