Joel Might Not Die: The Last of Us Season 2 Trailer’s Big Tease

Joel might not die.

For a devoted fan of The Last of Us like me, this isn’t just an idle guess—it’s based on careful observation of the trailer’s details and an analysis of the show’s adaptation strategy. In season 1, the series boldly adjusted and innovated the game’s narrative, keeping the spirit of the original while adding new layers of emotional depth. So, can Joel’s fate be rewritten this time? That’s the question I’m dying to find out.

Let’s get straight to the point: Joel’s fate is deliberately obscured in the trailer. What stood out to me most was the poignant interaction between Joel and Ellie. In one scene, they exchange a meaningful glance in a dilapidated room, a moment so silent yet charged with emotion that it convinced me the writers are not planning to let Joel exit the stage easily. Joel is not only the story’s emotional core but also the bridge that connects the audience to that post-apocalyptic nightmarish world. Killing him off early in season 2? I just won’t buy it.

Another key figure in the trailer is Abby, who has sparked plenty of debate. In the game, Abby’s cold, calculating persona—her strength, pragmatism, and burning desire for revenge—makes her a polarizing figure. But in the series, Kaitlyn Dever ’s portrayal of Abby seems to present a different side of her. In one trailer scene set in the ruins at sunset, Abby’s expression shows sadness rather than the relentless fury we saw in the game. This shift makes me wonder if the writers are attempting to humanize Abby, turning her into a more well-rounded character instead of just a plot device.

What’s more surprising is Abby’s limited presence in the trailer. She no longer seems to be the main driver force of the story. Could this suggest the writers are de-emphasizing her conflict with Joel? Could she even become an ally to Joel and Ellie rather than an adversary? If true, The Last of Us season 2 could veer significantly from the game’s narrative.

Then there’s the glaring omission in the trailer: the infamous scene where Joel is brutally killed with a golf club. For those who played the game, that moment was a traumatic turning point, driving Ellie’s quest for vengeance. However, it also sparked enormous backlash—fans flooded review sites with negative scores, expressing their anger and disappointment. At that time, Neil Druckmann , the game’s director, insisted that creators shouldn’t bend to public opinion. Could his stance have softened after five years? The trailer’s avoidance of this scene hints that the show might take a different approach to this contentious plot point.

Looking back at season 1, the series demonstrated remarkable skill in adapting character arcs and narrative logic. Ellie was portrayed as more humorous and resilient compared to her game counterpart, and her relationship with Joel was developed in even greater depth. These changes not only avoided alienating fans but also drew in viewers who weren’t familiar with the game. If season 1 proved that adaptations can succeed by balancing respect for the source material with innovation, then season 2 has every reason to make bold adjustments to its more divisive moments.

And let’s not forget Pedro Pascal ’s Joel, who has become the soul of the series. Pascal’s nuanced performance—capturing Joel’s toughness, guilt, and tender paternal instincts—has won the hearts of audiences. Killing Joel early in season 2 would not only frustrate viewers but could also undermine the emotional foundation of the show. One scene in the trailer struck me as particularly meaningful: Joel, in what seems to be a therapy session, speaks about his guilt and regret. Such a scene is clearly meant to deepen his character. If Joel were to die early on, this moment would feel utterly pointless.

Beyond character adjustments, the trailer’s faithful recreation of the game’s settings is stunning. From the abandoned sports stadium in Seattle to Ellie navigating through dense forests with her bow, these scenes evoke strong nostalgia for fans while also enhancing the visual storytelling through rich lighting and cinematography. At the same time, new elements, like the graveyard ruins and unidentified adversaries, hint at an expanded world and fresh narrative threads.

So, why do I think Joel won’t die? For one, Pedro Pascal’s presence is too significant to the series. His portrayal of Joel is the primary reason many viewers will continue watching. For another, from a narrative perspective, killing Joel off early in season 2 would be a self-sabotaging move. Season 1 has already shown that respecting the source material while introducing smart innovations can attract both new viewers and loyal fans alike.

Maybe Joel’s fate won’t end in tragedy like in the game. Perhaps the writers will craft a new arc for him, giving his character a more dramatic or meaningful conclusion down the line. Whatever the case, I eagerly await what season 2 has in store. The trailer has raised countless questions, and those questions are exactly what make The Last of Us so compelling.

The post-apocalypse has never been about pure despair—it’s always been about humanity’s resilience. And Joel just might be the ultimate hope in this harsh, unforgiving world.

Catch you later for more movie musings!