The Last of Us season 2 might have followed the video game’s story to the letter—but that didn’t make it any easier to watch. For Nico Parker, who played Sarah Miller (Joel’s daughter) in season 1, the emotional weight of Pedro Pascal’s on-screen death was simply too overwhelming. In fact, she admits she still hasn’t watched the second season because of it.
In a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers (June 10, 2025), Parker—now set to star as Astrid in the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon live-action film—explained why she’s avoided season 2 entirely. “I haven’t watched the second season because the idea of seeing him die is so deeply distressing,” she said. “Pedro dying is just a lot.”
While Parker praised co-stars Bella Ramsey, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, and Gabriel Luna, she admitted that Joel’s shocking death has been hard to separate from Pascal’s powerful performance. The scene, which aired in episode 2, has been widely debated by fans, many of whom felt emotionally devastated despite knowing it was a faithful recreation of the game.
Fans Agree: Joel’s Death in The Last of Us Was Devastating
The response to Joel’s death was swift—and deeply divided. While many praised the creators for sticking to the source material, others criticized the violent execution and questioned if such brutal realism was necessary. Viewership for season 2 noticeably dipped after Pascal’s exit, showing just how attached fans were to Joel’s character.
Even Parker made a telling comparison: “I watched Gladiator II and [Pedro] dies in that, and I was totally fine.” The fact that Joel’s death stands out so intensely shows the lasting emotional impact The Last of Us has had on viewers—and cast alike.
The Legacy of Joel & the Future of The Last of Us
With season 3 confirmed to focus on Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever), the series is entering new territory. Still, the shadow of Joel’s death looms large, with fans like Parker—and millions more—still grieving a character whose loss felt all too real.
