Joel Dies in The Last of Us Season 2: Abby's Entry Shocks Fans

The much-awaited Season 2 of HBO's The Last of Us debuted on April 13, 2025, with new episodes airing every Sunday at 9 PM ET/PT. Unlike Season 1, which had nine episodes, Season 2 will feature only seven episodes, making every moment on screen even more crucial.

This season takes a darker, more emotionally complex route — closely following the controversial storyline of the video game The Last of Us Part II.

⚠️ Is Joel Dead in The Last of Us Season 2?

Yes, Joel’s death has been confirmed. In a devastating twist during Episode 2: “Through the Valley”, Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) is brutally killed by Abby, a new character introduced this season.

This bold move aligns with the events of the original game and is intended to set off Ellie’s emotionally intense journey of revenge, trauma, and identity crisis.

🎬 “Killing Joel wasn’t just shock value — it was the emotional core of Ellie’s arc,” said showrunner Neil Druckmann in a behind-the-scenes feature.

Fans were divided: while many appreciated the narrative risk, others were heartbroken by the loss of a beloved character.

💥 Who is Abby? Kaitlyn Dever’s Controversial Entry

Kaitlyn Dever’s casting as Abby caused a ripple across social media, as some fans noted she differs physically from the game’s version of the character — who was muscular and intimidating.

But creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann defended the decision, emphasizing Abby’s internal strength, emotional depth, and Dever’s acting range, which aligns with the new layers the show is adding to her personality.

🎭 “It’s not just about muscles. It’s about what Abby represents — pain, conflict, and redemption,” Druckmann noted.

🌟 Bella Ramsey Shines Brighter as Ellie

Bella Ramsey returns as Ellie and delivers a gripping performance that captures Ellie’s grief, rage, and emotional complexity after Joel’s death.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Ramsey shared how this season challenges her emotionally more than ever, saying:

“Ellie’s not just surviving now — she’s broken, and she’s angry. That’s what I had to bring to the screen.”

📅 Episode Release Dates for Season 2

Here’s a quick look at the upcoming episodes:

🗣️ Fan Reactions: “Still Not Over Joel!”

Social platforms are flooded with #JusticeForJoel and #AbbyHateClub hashtags. Many fans are re-living the game’s heartbreak all over again.

Others, however, have praised the show for staying faithful to the source material and not taking the safe, fan-pleasing route.

“This is brave storytelling. It hurts, but it matters,” wrote one fan on Reddit.

🧠 Why Killing Joel Was Crucial (Narratively)

• It propels Ellie’s transformation from a survivor to an anti-hero.

• It introduces Abby as more than a villain — a parallel to Ellie.

• It explores deeper themes like revenge, morality, and cycles of violence.

This is not just a death; it’s the emotional engine of the season.