The Emotional Weight of Joel’s Death in The Last of Us: Lux Pascal’s Heartfelt Reaction

Introduction: A Scene That Shook Fans and Family Alike

In the world of television, few shows have captured the hearts and minds of audiences like HBO’s The Last of Us. Adapted from the critically acclaimed video game, the series has redefined storytelling in the post-apocalyptic genre, blending raw emotion, gripping action, and unforgettable characters. At the center of this narrative is Joel Miller, portrayed by the charismatic Pedro Pascal, whose journey as a hardened survivor and surrogate father to Ellie (Bella Ramsey) has resonated deeply with viewers. However, in Season 2, Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley,” a pivotal moment left fans reeling and even brought Pedro’s sister, Lux Pascal, to tears. This article dives into the emotional impact of Joel’s brutal death, Lux’s heartfelt reaction, and the broader significance of this moment in The Last of Us and Pedro Pascal’s career.

Lux Pascal, a talented Chilean-American actress in her own right, shared her visceral response to her brother’s character’s demise at the 2025 Platino Awards. Speaking to Remezcla on the red carpet, she admitted that despite knowing the fate of Joel Miller—thanks to her familiarity with the source material—she was so overwhelmed by the scene that she wanted to “throw the iPad” and “burst into tears.” This raw emotion underscores the power of The Last of Us to evoke profound reactions, not just from fans but from those closest to its stars. Let’s explore why this scene hit so hard, how it reflects Pedro Pascal’s knack for memorable on-screen deaths, and what it means for the legacy of the show.

The Scene That Broke Hearts: Joel’s Death in The Last of Us

For those who haven’t seen The Last of Us Season 2 yet, beware—this section contains spoilers. In Episode 2, “Through the Valley,” Joel Miller meets a gruesome and heartbreaking end at the hands of Abby Anderson, played by Kaitlyn Dever. The scene is a faithful adaptation of a pivotal moment from The Last of Us Part II video game, where Abby, seeking revenge for her father’s death at Joel’s hands in Season 1, ambushes him. After shooting him in the leg, she brutally beats him with a golf club and delivers a final, fatal blow as Ellie watches helplessly. The violence is unflinching, the emotional weight crushing, and the fallout devastating for both the characters and the audience.

For fans of the game, Joel’s death was a known inevitability, yet its execution on screen amplified its impact. The show’s creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, chose to place this moment early in Season 2 to avoid prolonging the anticipation for game fans while delivering a gut-punch to new viewers. Mazin explained in an interview with Variety that delaying the death could feel like “tormenting” the audience, as those familiar with the game would be waiting for it, and spoilers would inevitably leak. By making it happen in Episode 2, the show ensures the story feels organic, setting the stage for Ellie’s quest for vengeance and the exploration of grief, guilt, and redemption that defines Season 2.

The scene’s intensity lies not just in its violence but in its emotional context. Joel and Ellie’s bond, built over Season 1, is one of television’s most compelling relationships. Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel—a man hardened by loss yet softened by his love for Ellie—made him a fan favorite. His death, witnessed by Ellie, shatters that bond and sets her on a dark path. For Lux Pascal, watching her brother’s character endure such a brutal end was deeply personal, despite her awareness of the scripted nature of the scene. Her reaction highlights the universal power of storytelling to blur the lines between fiction and reality, especially when family is involved.

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Lux Pascal’s Emotional Response: A Sister’s Perspective

Lux Pascal’s candid comments at the Platino Awards reveal the unique perspective of a sibling watching a loved one portray such intense moments. As an actress herself, known for roles in projects like Lost 80, Lux understands the craft of acting, yet the visceral nature of Joel’s death overwhelmed her. She told Remezcla, “I knew how that episode would end. I knew what was going to happen. But even so, I saw it and I wanted to throw the iPad.” Her emotional response—bursting into tears and feeling a visceral urge to reject the scene—speaks to the raw power of Pedro’s performance and the show’s direction.

Lux’s reaction wasn’t just about the violence of the scene but its cumulative effect. She noted that this wasn’t the first time she’d watched her brother die on screen. Pedro Pascal has become something of an “on-screen death artist,” as described by FandomWire, with a string of memorable demises in projects like Game of Thrones (Oberyn Martell), The Equalizer 2 (Dave York), and now The Last of Us. Lux humorously remarked, “It’s not the first time he’s done it to me. It’s not the second time he’s done it to me. I think it’s the fourth time he’s done it to me.” She listed his deaths, noting that “each is more violent than the other,” and admitted, “Seeing my brother die that way, I didn’t like it at all.”

This recurring theme of Pedro’s characters meeting tragic ends has become a running joke among fans and even within his family. Yet, for Lux, the emotional toll is real. Her bond with Pedro, both as siblings and as fellow actors, adds a layer of complexity to her experience. The Pascal family is close-knit, with Pedro often seen supporting Lux, who came out as a trans woman in 2021, at public events. Their shared journey in the entertainment industry and their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights make moments like these deeply personal. Lux’s tears reflect not just the pain of watching Joel’s death but the pride and empathy she feels for her brother’s ability to evoke such raw emotion.

Pedro Pascal: Hollywood’s Master of Memorable Deaths

Pedro Pascal’s career is a testament to his versatility, charisma, and willingness to embrace challenging roles. From his breakout role as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones to his iconic portrayal of Din Djarin in The Mandalorian, Pascal has a knack for creating characters that resonate with audiences. However, his penchant for dramatic on-screen deaths has become a hallmark of his work. Let’s take a closer look at some of his most notable demises and how they compare to Joel’s death in The Last of Us.

1. Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones (2014): Pascal’s role as the charismatic Prince of Dorne was a career-defining moment. Oberyn’s duel with Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane is one of the show’s most shocking scenes, culminating in his eyes being gouged out and his skull crushed. The brutality of this death set the tone for Pascal’s ability to make audiences care deeply before ripping their hearts out.
2. Dave York in The Equalizer 2 (2018): As a villainous operative, Pascal’s character meets a grim end when he’s dropped from a rooftop and swept away by stormy waves. The scene is intense but less emotionally charged than his other deaths, given York’s antagonistic role.
3. General Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II (2024): In this historical epic, Pascal’s character faces a barbaric execution, shot with arrows until he resembles a “human pincushion.” The death is visually striking but lacks the personal stakes of Joel’s demise.
4. Joel Miller in The Last of Us (2025): Joel’s death stands out as one of Pascal’s most emotionally devastating. The combination of physical brutality and the narrative weight of his bond with Ellie makes it a standout in his repertoire. As FandomWire noted, “Pascal’s characters’ deaths aren’t mere plot points; they’re moments eternally engrained in the audiences’ minds.”

Pascal himself has embraced this pattern with humor, joking to Entertainment Weekly, “I get killed a lot. I like to die.” Yet, he also acknowledges the emotional toll of these scenes, particularly Joel’s death. He described the experience of filming it as unique, noting the “shock and heartbreak” he saw in the eyes of the cast and crew on set. This raw connection to his role underscores why Lux’s reaction was so intense—Pedro’s commitment to authenticity makes his performances, and their consequences, feel profoundly real.

The Cultural Impact of The Last of Us

The Last of Us is more than just a TV show; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has sparked conversations about storytelling, adaptation, and emotional resonance. The series’ first season was a critical and commercial success, praised for its faithful adaptation of the game while expanding its emotional depth. Season 2, which premiered on March 24, 2025, has continued this legacy, with Joel’s death becoming a lightning rod for discussion.

The show’s ability to evoke such strong reactions, as seen in Lux Pascal’s response, is a testament to its craftsmanship. The performances, particularly Pascal’s and Ramsey’s, are grounded in vulnerability and authenticity. The writing, led by Mazin and Druckmann, balances fidelity to the source material with fresh perspectives, ensuring that even game fans are surprised by the execution. The cinematography and score amplify the emotional stakes, making moments like Joel’s death unforgettable.

Beyond its narrative, The Last of Us has sparked broader conversations about grief, loss, and the human condition. Joel’s death, while shocking, serves a purpose in the story, pushing Ellie toward a path of vengeance and self-discovery. For viewers, it’s a reminder of the fragility of life and the cost of love in a brutal world. Lux’s reaction mirrors the sentiments of countless fans who took to social media to express their devastation, with posts on X calling the scene “haunting” and “heartbreaking.”

The Pascal Siblings: A Bond Beyond the Screen

The emotional weight of Joel’s death is amplified by the real-life bond between Pedro and Lux Pascal. As siblings, they share a deep connection, often seen supporting each other at events like the Platino Awards or advocating for social causes. Pedro’s vocal support for Lux’s journey as a trans woman, including his 2021 Instagram post stating, “A world without trans people has never existed and never will,” has made them a powerful duo in Hollywood’s push for inclusivity.

Lux’s reaction to Joel’s death is a window into their relationship—a mix of pride, empathy, and the unique challenge of watching a loved one portray such intense moments. Her comment about Pedro’s multiple on-screen deaths being “more violent than the other” adds a layer of humor to their dynamic, but her tears reveal the depth of her investment in his work. For fans, this glimpse into their relationship humanizes the larger-than-life figure of Pedro Pascal, reminding us that behind every performance is a person with loved ones who feel the impact of their art.

Why Joel’s Death Resonates

Joel’s death in The Last of Us is more than a plot twist; it’s a narrative catalyst that forces characters and viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. For Ellie, it’s the loss of her surrogate father and the spark for her quest for justice. For audiences, it’s a reminder of the stakes in a world where survival comes at a cost. Lux Pascal’s reaction encapsulates this universal truth: great storytelling transcends the screen, touching hearts and sparking emotions that linger long after the credits roll.

The scene’s impact is heightened by Pedro Pascal’s performance. His ability to convey Joel’s vulnerability, guilt, and love for Ellie makes his death all the more devastating. As he told Entertainment Weekly, he was in “active denial” about leaving the role, mirroring the grief fans and his sister felt. This shared sense of loss creates a communal experience, uniting viewers, actors, and their families in the power of the story.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of The Last of Us

As The Last of Us Season 2 approaches its finale on May 25, 2025, the repercussions of Joel’s death continue to unfold. Flashbacks featuring Pedro Pascal, like those in Episode 5, “Feel Her Love,” and Episode 6, have provided glimpses into Joel and Ellie’s past, adding depth to their fractured relationship. These moments keep Joel’s presence alive, even as Ellie grapples with his absence.

For Lux Pascal, watching her brother’s work is both a privilege and a challenge. Her emotional response at the Platino Awards reflects the universal power of The Last of Us to move audiences, whether they’re fans or family. As Pedro continues to take on high-profile roles, from Reed Richards in Fantastic Four to appearances in Gladiator II and Eddington, his ability to evoke emotion remains unmatched.

Conclusion: A Story That Stays With Us

The Last of Us Season 2 has solidified its place as a landmark in television, and Joel’s death is a defining moment in its legacy. Lux Pascal’s tearful reaction is a testament to the show’s emotional depth and Pedro Pascal’s extraordinary talent. For fans, it’s a reminder of why we invest in stories—they challenge us, break our hearts, and bring us together. As you reflect on this moment, whether you’re a longtime fan of the game or a newcomer to the series, take a moment to appreciate the artistry that makes The Last of Us unforgettable. And if you’re like Lux, maybe keep a tissue box handy.

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Sources:

• Entertainment Weekly interview with Pedro and Lux Pascal
• Remezcla coverage of Lux Pascal at the 2025 Platino Awards
• Variety interview with Craig Mazin
• FandomWire article on Pedro Pascal’s on-screen deaths