WARNING: This article contains major spoilers from The Last of Us season 2, episode 2
In a shocking turn of events on The Last of Us, Joel Miller, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, met a grisly end at the hands of Abby Anderson, played by Kaitlyn Dever, as she sought vengeance for her father's death.
While gamers braced themselves for the gut-wrenching moment, which mirrors the video game's storyline, viewers new to the narrative were left reeling from the unexpected and distressing twist, reports the Mirror US.
The departure of Pascal, famed for his roles in Game of Thrones and Narcos, has sparked an outcry among fans, with many clamouring for answers about why he exited the critically acclaimed series.
Here's what you need to know about Pascal's exit from the hit show.
Pascal's departure from The Last of Us was predestined, as the creators aimed for a true-to-source adaptation.
Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who also created the original video game, had always planned to faithfully follow the game's plot, including the pivotal death of Joel, which significantly impacts the story's progression.
Pascal, the Chilean-American star, shared his thoughts on leaving the series, revealing his "active denial" over his character's fate and how it wasn't a sudden decision by the producers but rather a known inevitability.
The star divulged to Entertainment Weekly: "But it was always an understanding that it would stay true to the source material in a specific way and that the, let's say, practical and exclusive obligation would be for season one."
He further told the outlet: "It was just a matter of how and when."
Despite being aware that his journey on The Last of Us had come to a close, Pascal admitted he found it hard to part with the series.
He revealed: "I'm in active denial. I realise this more and more as I get older, I find myself slipping into denial that anything is over."
Pascal also expressed his deep connection with the cast and crew, noting that while they may meet again, it won't be in their roles from The Last of Us.
He confessed that dwelling on his departure too much could make him "sad".
However, fans of Pascal need not worry about missing him on screen; the actor has a full slate of upcoming projects.
Viewers can look forward to seeing Pascal in Materialists, The Fantastic Four, and reuniting with Grogu in The Mandalorian.
IMDb lists his future appearances in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
As for a return to The Last of Us, it seems Pedro Pascal will indeed be back!
Season two's trailers have teased unseen footage, including scenes with Joel and Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey).
So, even though Joel has met his demise, fans can expect to see him in flashbacks in the upcoming season.
Fans are also anticipating revelations about the past between Joel and Gail's (Catherine O'Hara) husband Eugene, hinting at more screen time for Pascal.
Additionally, co-creator Druckmann revealed on The Last of Us podcast: "But I will say that we do know there are some mysteries here, some gaps, in Ellie and Joel's relationships."
He further teased: "This is not the last that we will see of Joel."
The Last of Us season 2 airs on Sundays on HBO in the USA and on NOW and Sky Atlantic on Mondays in the UK
