Overview

• Season 2 of HBO’s The Last of Us adapts the controversial video game sequel with a faithful yet restructured narrative, including Joel’s early death.
• Laura Bailey, the original voice of Abby, supports the added context to Abby’s motivations, which she believes strengthens the story’s emotional impact.
• Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, revealed that her personal grief after losing her mother informed her intense performance in pivotal scenes.
• Fan reactions to Joel’s death range from outrage to reflection, echoing the divisive reception of the original game’s storyline in 2020.
• Showrunner Craig Mazin teased a forthcoming, emotionally harrowing moment involving Ellie, further deepening the season’s exploration of vengeance and loss.