The Last of Us season 2 spoilers ahead
It’s hard for most fans to talk aboutThe Last of Usseason 2 without mentioning its tragic moments, and there were a lot of them. Viewers were already warned before the second installment of the post-apocalyptic series started that it would be a muchdarker version than what people witnessed in season one, but the show’s audience wasn’t prepared for what was about to unfold, especially when it came to that horrific death scene involving Joel, Ellie and Abby.
From Eugene’s dying plea to be with his wife, Catherine, before he dies, and the brutal way Joel is killed by Abby in season 2, toEllie’s decision to kill Owen and Meland the distressing death of Jesse in the theater in the final moments of the season finale,The Last of Usseason 2 upped the stakes when it came to giving fans plenty to talk about, as well as leaving them likely needing therapy. Now, in a bid to set fans off again, the HBO show’s co-showrunner Craig Mazin has released the script for Joel’s shocking death scene, and it’s far more brutal than what was shown in the series and in the Naughty Dog video game sequel.
Joel’s Death Scene in Season 2’s Script Is Worse Than What Was Shown in The Last of Us
As reported byDeadline, the script forThe Last of Usseason 2, episode 2, titled “Through The Valley”, has been revealed with an introduction from the show’s co-showrunner, Craig Mazin. Mazin begins by explaining in the script how he dealt with undertaking such a huge task of killing off Joel, as well as the destruction of Jackson, which he said was like taking “a wrecking ball” toThe Last of Us' world. However, as the words of Ellie ring out throughout the script, it’s apparent that Joel’s death scene in episode 2 was much more traumatic than what was actually shown, and fans can’t take the emotion from it all.
Over on Reddit,The Last of Usfans have been dissecting the script and pointing out how trulyheartbreaking Joel’s death actually was. Even though his death was somewhat different from the game, in terms of how he died, it’s clear that the transcript highlights a sorrowful display of sadness and love. “The addition of Joel actually trying to get up was so effective and heartbreaking. Such a small thing, but it hits that much harder,” said one comment regarding the script line that reads out Joel’s thoughts upon seeing Ellie screaming at him to get up, in which he thinks, “I will try for you. I will do anything for you. That’s why I’m here. That’s why this is happening.” Another comment in the post read, “Putting Joel’s thoughts in the script is very odd script formatting, but goddamn it makes it even more sad,” especially when the script includes the line, “Even now, even in death, he feels like he failed her.”
Neil Druckmann has previously stated that a season 4 will be needed to finish Ellie and Abby’s story, and nowThe Last of Us' TV show composer Jake Staley recently hinted that the show could go beyond Season 3. “There’ll be at least two more seasons, no question,” said Staley. “At least. That’s all I’m gonna say.” So it seems fans have a lot more trauma to go through before the series is finally done and dusted. There is currently no confirmation of whenThe Last of Usseason 3 will begin filming, but it’s likely not to commence until sometime in 2026, with a possible release date of 2027.
