Pedro Pascal, known for his prominent role as Joel in The Last of Us, has left fans in shock after his character’s unexpected demise in the series. Series co-creator Craig Mazin addressed the uproar during a recent event, reassuring both fans and critics that Pascal is alive and thriving in numerous other projects. “He did a thing. Everyone lost their s—, and then I had to do that same thing,” Mazin explained, acknowledging the emotional impact of Joel’s death while still emphasizing Pascal’s ongoing career.
Despite this tragic turn in the show, Pascal himself has also candidly expressed his struggle with accepting Joel’s fate. He described his feelings as “active denial,” a sentiment echoed by his sister, Lux, who humorously reflected on her discomfort every time her brother’s characters face dire endings, including notable deaths in Game of Thrones and Equalizer 2.
Beyond The Last of Us, Pascal continues to be a sought-after actor, recently promoting the film Eddington at the Cannes Film Festival, and appearing in the romantic comedy Materialists, alongside Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans. He will also be seen as Reed Richards in the upcoming Marvel film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, where he is expected to reprise the character in future Avengers installments.
This multifaceted career suggests that while the death of Joel has rattled fans, Pascal’s diverse roles keep him in the spotlight, demonstrating his resilience as a beloved actor. Overall, Pascal’s continued engagement in high-profile projects indicates that his career is far from over.