Following the devastating events of the latest The Last of Us episode, stars Pedro Pascal, Kaitlyn Dever, and Bella Ramsey are offering fans a wholesome reprieve by showcasing their genuine off-screen bond in a new interview.
From On-Screen Trauma to Real-Life Camaraderie
Shortly after the second episode of The Last of Us season two premiered on Max, Entertainment Weekly released an exclusive interview featuring the show’s three leads. While the episode depicts the harrowing moment Abby kills Joel—triggering Ellie’s vengeful journey to Seattle—the actors behind the characters maintain a starkly different dynamic in real life.
Pascal and Dever Discuss the Iconic Death Scene
Pedro Pascal lightheartedly noted that Joel’s inevitable demise was a major draw for him to join the series, drawing parallels to his similarly violent exit as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones. Kaitlyn Dever, who portrays Abby and wields the club that ends Joel’s life, admitted the sequence was “heartbreaking” to film, given her admiration for Pascal and Ramsey’s work in the first season. Pascal quickly reassured his co-star, joking that she shouldn’t feel guilty, as his character had previously killed her father.
Navigating Fan Expectations and Controversy
Dever also addressed the notorious legacy of the scene, acknowledging the intense—and sometimes toxic—fan backlash that followed the game’s release. Despite concerns regarding potential controversy, she remained focused on delivering an authentic performance.
“It is hard not to think about [the fan reaction],” Dever explained. “I sort of went into this wanting to do my best, and I was thinking about the fans, but I think also there’s something about just really, seriously living in the moment. It’s obviously so heartbreaking. It’s so terrible. It’s gonna be so hard to take. [It’s] so sad, for me, because I love him so much.”
The segment concluded with a warm embrace between Pascal and Dever, a testament to the cast’s affection for one another despite the dark subject matter of the series. The Last of Us season two continues with five episodes remaining, airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on Max.
