Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey Tease The "Incredibly Painful Distance" Between Joel & Ellie In The Last Of Us Season 2

During a press conference for The Last of Us season 2 attended by ScreenRant, Pascal and Ramsey explain why a rift forms between Joel and Ellie, along with addressing the challenges of depicting this new dynamic. Ramsey explains that part of the rift is due to Ellie being five years older and at a different stage in her life, but that there are "deeper reasons for their little rift" as well. The actors also discuss how being happy to reunite in real life made it more difficult to portray the tension between Joel and Ellie. Check out their comments below:

What This Means For The Last Of Us Season 2

Joel & Ellie's Relationship Will Look Different

While the estranged dynamics between Joel and Ellie will feel new, Pascal and Ramsey's comments highlight how their characters' relationship will still be at the heart of The Last of Us season 2's story. There is no shortage of post-apocalyptic stories, but it is the emotional development of Joel and Ellie's relationship that helps The Last of Us stand out from other tales in the same genre. Their relationship will look different in season 2 due to the natural passage of time and because of the lies Joel told Ellie.

Season 2 Will Be Deeply Emotional

Pascal and Ramsey's comments make me equally eager and anxious for season 2. After a two-year hiatus, I am looking forward to seeing Joel and Ellie again, but I am dreading the emotional shift in their relationship. Pascal and Ramsey proved in season 1 that they were the perfect casting choices for these characters, and despite the dark places they will have to take Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us season 2, I am confident that their performances will do the story justice.