HBO has given fans a sneak peek into the upcoming second season of The Last of Us, and it looks like Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, might be seeking therapy this time around. The brief teaser features familiar scenes from The Last of Us Part II, such as Ellie and Dina’s dance, glimpses of characters like Isaac and the Seraphites, and a new character who appears to be Joel’s therapist, portrayed by Catherine O’Hara. She questions Joel about hurting Ellie, to which he denies and claims he saved her.
This new take on Joel’s story seems to hint at a different approach than the game, where Joel confesses his actions to someone other than family. The show is set to premiere on Max in 2025, and with plans to cover events from Part II over multiple seasons, there may be more room for exploring different plot points and character developments.
The first season of the show already made some significant changes from the original game, so it’s not surprising that the creators are taking liberties with the story. With a focus on Joel’s anxiety and mental health, it makes sense for the character to seek professional help in the upcoming season.
In addition to Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey reprising their roles, HBO has announced new cast members joining the show, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, the co-protagonist of The Last of Us Part II. As fans eagerly await the premiere of season two, it will be interesting to see how the storyline continues to evolve and how the new characters fit into the narrative. Stay tuned for more updates on The Last of Us Season 2 as production progresses.