LOS ANGELES — The bond between Joel and Tommy has always been one of the emotional anchors of The Last of Us, and according to Pedro Pascal, that brotherly dynamic will remain a crucial part of Season 2.
At a press conference moderated by Variety’s Jazz Tangcay, Pascal reflected on the evolution of his character’s relationship with Gabriel Luna’s Tommy—from their intense introduction in Season 1 to the deeper, more complex dynamic awaiting them in the new season.
“We started Season 1 together on D-Day,” Pascal recalled, referencing the show’s harrowing opening sequence. “There was this bonding process—rehearsals, pre-production, even river rafting. Then we were separated, reunited in the snow… and by the end, it felt like we’d really laid the foundation.”
Luna agreed, adding that their connection was immediate: “From our first FaceTime call, there was this uncanny familiarity.”
A Painful Time Jump and a Fractured Bond
One of the biggest challenges of Season 2? Navigating the five-year time jump, which leaves Joel and Bella Ramsey’s Ellie in a strained, distant place.
“It’s a beautiful setup,” Pascal said, addressing Ramsey. “The first thing we shot was just the two of us in this intimate scene—there’s so much pain between them, but we still got to laugh and mess around on set. It felt like coming home.”
Yet, for Pascal, returning to Joel’s world wasn’t just a professional challenge—it was an emotional one.
“This role, more than any other, makes it hard to separate what the characters are going through from how it makes me feel,” he admitted. “Sometimes, it’s not very healthy. I kind of… feel their pain.”
With a laugh, he added: “I suppose I was in an unhealthy mindset.”
Why The Last of Us Still Resonates
When asked about the show’s continued relevance in today’s world, Pascal pointed to its raw, cathartic storytelling.
“There’s a strange, sometimes sick pleasure in seeing human relationships under crisis,” he said. “The show holds up a mirror—whether it’s political, societal, or just about survival—and makes us confront things in a way that’s strangely comforting.”
He also acknowledged how the series has transformed his career.
“This job opened a new chapter in my life,” Pascal said. “Not just because of how it was received, but because of how deeply it means to all of us involved. That’s rare.”
New Faces, Familiar Protectiveness
Pascal praised newcomer Kaitlyn Dever (who plays Abby), calling her casting “unbelievable.” “I’ve admired your work for years,” he told her. “Getting to share scenes with you was a gift.”
And as for Joel’s fierce protectiveness over Ellie? Pascal sees a bit of himself in that instinct.
“I’m protective of the people I love,” he said. “That’s probably the biggest thing I relate to in Joel.”
Season 2 of The Last of Us premieres April 13th on HBO—and if Pascal’s words are any indication, it’s going to be an emotionally charged, unforgettable ride.
