Pedro Pascal Opens Up About The Emotional Challenge Of Playing Joel In The Last Of Us!

Pedro Pascal is set to return to screens as Joel Miller in The Last of Us, but the actor has opened up about the emotional toll the role takes on him. Playing Joel, a fiercely protective and emotionally complex character, has proven to be an intense experience for Pascal, one that affects his mindset deeply. In a recent interview, he shared how difficult it is to separate himself from the emotional weight of the character and how it impacts him personally.

The Emotional Weight of Playing Joel

Pascal admitted that portraying Joel is different from any other role he’s played before. “It’s hard for me to separate what the characters are going through and how it makes me feel,” Pascal explained. His deep connection with Joel’s emotions and struggles often leaves him in an “unhealthy mindset,” which has made the role uniquely challenging. “I kind of feel their pain,” he confessed, adding that the intensity of Joel’s emotions is something he feels on a personal level, making the experience more difficult to navigate.

Relating to Joel’s Protective Nature

Despite the challenges, Pascal revealed that there is one aspect of Joel’s character that resonates with him the most: his “fiercely protective” nature. Joel’s determination to protect Ellie, as well as his unwavering commitment to those he loves, is something Pascal finds deeply relatable. “I think that storytelling is cathartic in so many ways,” Pascal said, reflecting on the way storytelling helps convey the human experience. For Pascal, playing Joel provides an opportunity to explore and express those deep, protective instincts in an emotionally raw way.

Ellie and Joel’s Tumultuous Relationship in Season 2

As The Last of Us returns for its second season, fans can expect the relationship between Joel and Ellie to be tested in new ways. Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie, teased that there would be “definitely some doubt” between the two characters. The season will explore the tension between Joel and Ellie as they face challenges in their relationship, with things becoming “sadder and more cold.” The emotional dynamics between them will play a central role in the upcoming season, as hinted in the trailer, where Ellie questions whether Joel has truly been honest with her.

What to Expect in the New Season

The Last of Us season 2 will pick up five years after the events of the first season, with Joel and Ellie trying to maintain some sense of peace. This season will also introduce new characters, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Young Mazino as Jesse, and Isabela Merced as Dina, Ellie’s romantic interest. Meanwhile, Catherine O’Hara will guest star in an undisclosed role, adding further intrigue to the upcoming season.

A Season Full of Emotional Intensity

With the highly anticipated return of The Last of Us, season 2 promises to delve deeper into the emotional complexities of Joel and Ellie’s relationship, as well as the personal struggles each character faces. Pascal’s candid reflection on the challenges of playing Joel highlights the emotional depth of the series and sets the stage for what promises to be a gripping continuation of their story. Fans can expect a season full of emotional intensity, tough decisions, and unforgettable moments when The Last of Us returns on April 13.