Key Points:
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Joel’s shocking death in The Last of Us Part II will likely be recreated in Season 2 of the HBO show.
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Pedro Pascal’s character is expected to die within the first few episodes.
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Joel’s death is central to the game’s story, setting up Ellie’s emotional and violent journey.
Will Joel Die in Season 2 of The Last of Us?
Yes, Joel Miller is very likely to die in The Last of Us Season 2. HBO has confirmed that Season 2 will closely adapt the events of The Last of Us Part II, which opens with Joel’s brutal murder. While some creative liberties are expected, the showrunners—Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann—have stressed their commitment to staying true to the heart of the game’s story. And that heart, as gut-wrenching as it is, includes Joel’s demise.
Joel’s death is not just a plot point; it’s the emotional detonator for everything that follows. His murder launches Ellie’s revenge arc, introduces Abby’s complex motivations, and forces fans to wrestle with themes of grief, forgiveness, and the cycle of violence.
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How Does Joel Die in The Last of Us Part II Game?
In the game, Joel’s death hits fast and hits hard. Just a few hours into Part II, Joel and his brother Tommy rescue a young woman named Abby from a horde of infected during a snowstorm. Seeking shelter, they end up in a lodge—only to discover Abby is part of a group hunting Joel. Her father was the Firefly surgeon Joel killed in the hospital at the end of the first game, and she’s been waiting years to exact her revenge.
The result? Joel is tied up and bludgeoned to death with a golf club. Ellie arrives moments too late, forced to watch in horror. It’s one of the most controversial scenes in modern gaming—brutal, personal, and unforgettable.
Is HBO Changing Joel’s Fate in the TV Series?
All signs point to Joel still dying in Season 2, even if the series chooses a slightly different approach in terms of how and when.
Season 1 mirrored the original game’s storyline very closely, including Joel’s violent hospital rampage. That moment, in which he kills Abby’s father, has already been planted in the show as the setup for what’s coming next. The showrunners won’t ignore that critical thread.
Even Pedro Pascal has hinted that Season 2 doesn’t “stray severely” from the source material. So while fans may hope for a rewrite, Joel’s fate is likely sealed—though the exact method, setting, or pacing might be adapted for the live-action format.
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When Might Joel Die in Season 2?
Based on the game’s structure and HBO’s current plan, Joel’s death is expected to occur within the first few episodes of Season 2—likely Episode 2 or 3.
There are seven episodes in total, and with Part II’s story planned to unfold over multiple seasons, Season 2 is likely covering just the first third of the game. This gives the show ample room to build tension in Jackson, introduce Abby, and lead into Joel’s final moments while still pivoting to Ellie’s journey afterward.
The trailers and casting choices reinforce this timeline. HBO has introduced Abby (played by Isabela Merced), along with other major characters like Dina, Jesse, and Isaac. Their presence signals a faithful continuation of the game’s revenge storyline, which only kicks off after Joel is gone.
Could Flashbacks Keep Joel in the Series Longer?
Absolutely. Even though Joel dies early in Part II, he still appears throughout the game in emotional flashbacks—playing guitar, exploring museums with Ellie, and repairing their strained relationship.
HBO is likely to adopt this same approach. Pedro Pascal has reportedly filmed several scenes, and much of the footage shown in early teasers seems to be from pre-death flashbacks. That means Joel may still be a major emotional presence in Season 2, even if his character dies early on.
This method could also soften the blow for casual viewers unfamiliar with the game, keeping Joel present throughout the season without altering the story’s core tragedy.
READ MORE: Where is The Last Of Us Season 2 Filmed?
Why Is Joel’s Death So Important to the Story?
While many fans were shattered by Joel’s death, it serves as the emotional backbone of The Last of Us Part II. It’s not just shock value. His murder catapults Ellie into a journey defined by vengeance and pain. It also allows for Abby’s complex story to unfold, revealing the consequences of Joel’s actions from another perspective.
Skipping or altering Joel’s death too much would break the story’s emotional logic. Like Ned Stark in Game of Thrones or Glenn in The Walking Dead, Joel’s death is a narrative lightning strike that redefines everything that follows. It’s controversial, yes—but also vital.
Will HBO Show Joel’s Death Exactly Like the Game?
It’s unclear if HBO will recreate the golf club scene beat for beat. Given the show’s cinematic approach, it’s possible we’ll see a variation of the setting or method. The creators may choose a barn instead of a lodge, a pipe instead of a club—but the emotional impact will remain.
The scene will likely be less graphic than in the game, but no less devastating. You can expect HBO to handle it with emotional intensity, dramatic buildup, and likely a cliffhanger-style execution to leave fans gutted.
Where and When Can You Watch The Last of Us Season 2?
The Last of Us Season 2 premieres April 13, 2025, exclusively on HBO and Max. The season will run for seven episodes, with a potential follow-up Season 3 already in the pipeline to continue adapting the remainder of Part II.
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