The Last of Us Hid a Major Detail in the New Episode

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Heed this notice: The article ahead discloses spoilers from episode 2 of The Last of Us season 2, titled “Through the Valley.”

Pedro Pascal has made a name for himself in numerous hit series such as Game of Thrones, Narcos, and The Mandalorian, as well as upcoming Marvel films like The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday. Yet, he won’t be seen among the opening credits for HBO’s The Last of Us. Pascal has portrayed Joel alongside Bella Ramsey’s Ellie since the initial nine-episode season in 2023, with both actors sharing top billing in the opening title sequence that pays tribute to the video game’s opening credits by depicting a fungus spreading and taking over the world.

In the opening credits of The HBO show, mushrooms growing together represent Joel and Ellie, a moment before the title appears. However, the title sequence for “The Last of Us” changed in yesterday’s episode titled “The Path,” as Joel died in the last moments of the previous episode, “Through the Valley.

Instead of keeping Pascal’s name in the opening credits, there will only be a single pair of blossoming mushrooms shown now.

If Pascal’s character Joel reappears in future episodes through flashbacks, he would be recognized as a guest star. With the passing of Joel and Pascal’s exclusion from the opening credits, Ramsey takes the lead role credit, followed by regular cast members Gabriel Luna (as Tommy), Isabela Merced (as Dina), and Young Mazino (as Jesse).

As a devoted fan, I found it challenging, perhaps even for Craig Mazin himself, to pen and film the scene where Abby takes action, as it seemed equally difficult for many viewers to witness. In the post-episode discussion, Craig explained that “Through the Valley” is about facing such life-altering moments, like when we think we can handle a certain amount of turmoil, only for life to surprise us and reveal our limits.

Pascal commented, “I hold nothing but admiration for the degree of devotion individuals show towards video games, TV shows, movies, or books. I’ve felt this passion myself, and there have been instances where I’ve thrown a book in frustration due to the intensity of the story’s influence on me. To me, if it causes deep emotional pain, that’s a testament to the storyteller’s skill.

New episodes of The Last of Us season 2 premiere Sunday nights on HBO and Max.

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2025-04-28 06:14