Joel Death Game: What Happened in 'The Last of Us' and Why It Matters

The highly-anticipated Season 2 of The Last of Us has shocked fans with one of its most heartbreaking moments — the brutal death of Joel Miller. This emotionally intense scene, pulled straight from the video game The Last of Us Part II, has left viewers grieving and talking. But what makes the “Joel death game” moment so powerful? And why did the showrunners stay so true to this controversial moment?

Let’s break it all down in this in-depth and easy-to-follow article.

Who Was Joel Miller?

Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal, is one of the central characters in The Last of Us franchise. A smuggler hardened by loss in a post-apocalyptic world, Joel becomes a father figure to Ellie, a young girl who may be humanity’s last hope. Their bond drove the entire first season of the HBO series and the first game.

But fans of the Last of Us Part II video game knew what was coming — Joel’s devastating death.

How Does Joel Die in the Game?

In The Last of Us Part II, Joel is shockingly killed early in the story. The scene is graphic, emotional, and unforgettable. Joel saves a young woman named Abby, not knowing she is the daughter of a doctor he killed in the previous game. That doctor was trying to perform a fatal operation on Ellie to create a cure for the infection.

Abby later takes brutal revenge. She traps Joel and kills him with a golf club, beating him in front of Ellie, who is helpless to stop it. This "Joel death game" moment is key to the entire plot of the second game, setting off a tragic cycle of revenge.

How Was Joel’s Death Portrayed in the Show?

In Episode 2 of Season 2, HBO stays incredibly faithful to the video game. Pedro Pascal’s Joel is lured into a trap by Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever), who then brutally kills him in front of Ellie (Bella Ramsey). Though some of the visuals are toned down for TV, the emotional intensity is just as strong.

Executive producer Craig Mazin explained that Joel’s death was always planned, saying, “This was something that was always meant to happen. And it’s upsetting.”

The show uses flashbacks to give viewers more insight into Abby’s pain and her reasons for revenge. But even with context, watching Joel die is deeply painful for fans.

Why Did They Kill Joel So Early?

Joel’s death might feel sudden, especially to viewers who haven’t played the game. But it’s actually a turning point that drives the entire story of The Last of Us Part II. It shows how grief and revenge can destroy people, and how no one is safe — even a beloved hero.

According to Craig Mazin, “Loss is kind of how this story functions.” Joel’s death reminds viewers that this world is unforgiving and full of difficult choices.

Pedro Pascal himself knew about Joel’s fate before taking the role. He agreed it was important to stay true to the game’s vision.

What Happens After Joel’s Death?

Ellie is devastated. In the series, as in the game, she swears revenge on Abby and sets off on a dangerous journey. This becomes the central storyline for Season 2 and possibly beyond.

Abby, meanwhile, walks away from Joel’s dead body with no satisfaction. She got revenge, but it didn’t bring peace. This powerful message is central to the theme of the series: revenge doesn’t heal — it only spreads more pain.

Will Pedro Pascal Return?

Yes — despite Joel’s death, Pedro Pascal will still appear in The Last of Us. There will be flashbacks and emotional moments between Joel and Ellie that fill in the gaps of their complicated relationship.

As Craig Mazin teased, “We have not seen the last of Pedro Pascal on The Last of Us.”

What Makes the ‘Joel Death Game’ Scene So Iconic?

There are many shocking deaths in TV shows and games, but Joel’s stands out because of the emotional impact. He was flawed, yes, but also deeply human. His bond with Ellie touched millions. Seeing him die so brutally — and so early in the story — was heartbreaking.

The realism of the scene, the betrayal, and Ellie’s helplessness make this a moment that sticks with viewers. And now that it’s been recreated in the series, the “Joel death game” moment will live on in a whole new way.

Final Thoughts: Why the 'Joel Death Game' Scene Matters

The “Joel death game” moment isn’t just about shock value. It’s about showing the cost of violence and revenge. It reminds us that in The Last of Us, no one is safe — and that every choice has consequences.

By staying true to the source material, the HBO series honors the emotional depth of the game while bringing new dimensions to beloved characters. And while Joel’s story may have ended, the ripple effects of his death are just beginning.

So as Ellie sets off on a dark path, viewers are left asking the same question as the characters: how far would you go for the ones you love?