Neil Druckmann hints that Joel’s story in The Last of Us Season 2 may not follow the game exactly.
Fans of The Last of Us know exactly what’s coming, or at least, they think they do. When The Last of Us Part 2 was released in 2020, it shocked players by killing off Joel, one of the series’ most beloved characters, just hours into the story. Now, with Season 2 of the HBO adaptation set to premiere on April 13, many are wondering: will the show follow the same path?
Based on what co-creator Neil Druckmann just said in a new interview, that answer might not be as clear-cut as expected. While the game’s story is emotional and brutal, the show has room to take a few different paths. And Druckmann isn’t giving anything away just yet.
“You’re Assuming the Same Thing Happens in the Show”
In a new Game Informer interview, Druckmann was asked directly about adapting Joel’s death and whether it’s any harder to put something like that on screen versus in a game. And just as the question was being asked, he cut in with a surprising response:
“By the way, you’re assuming the same thing happens in the show,” Druckmann said. “I’m not confirming or denying anything.”
It’s a small quote, but a big statement. Druckmann knows fans have expectations based on the game, and he’s clearly keeping his cards close. While he’s not promising that Joel’s fate will change, he’s at least opening the door to the possibility that it could.
Beyond that cryptic tease, Druckmann talked about a lot more. He confirmed The Last of Us Season 2 will have seven episodes, and that the decision came purely from how the story naturally split. “That seventh episode is going to be the breaking point for this story,” he said, “and then we pick it up in the following season from that point.”
He also shared that he directed an episode himself and felt much more confident this time. He reunited with his director of photography from Season 1 and said the process felt smoother and more exciting. “This time it was a lot more comfortable,” he said. “Just hitting the ground running and really working with great shots, great performances.”
There were also teases about smarter infected, major set builds meant to recreate Seattle, and the introduction of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby. Druckmann said the team focused on casting based on acting skills and not just how closely someone matches a character’s look. He also confirmed that religion will play a role in the season, particularly when it comes to the Seraphites.
Season 2 looks like it’ll be just as heavy, emotional, and complex as the first, but with a few surprises along the way. Whether Joel lives or dies on screen, the story is being shaped with just as much care as the original game.
What do you think? Should the show stick to the game, or take a different route? Let us know your thoughts.
