Pedro Pascal opens up about personal connection to 'The Last of Us' role ahead of season 2 premiere

Pedro Pascal is getting a feel for the emotional gravity of his character on hit show The Last of Us, and he is honoring the deep identification he has with the role of Joel. While speaking at a press conference prior to the eagerly awaited Season 2 premiere on April 13, the 49-year-old actor discussed the ways in which portraying a fiercely caring father figure in a post-apocalyptic backdrop resonates so deeply.
"I'm fairly intensely protective," Pascal revealed. "I'm protective of the people that I love. And I think that's maybe the core element that I can relate to." His interpretation of Joel—a battle-hardened survivor charged with safeguarding Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey, 21)—has connected powerfully with audiences since the series premiere, and it appears the role speaks equally deeply to Pascal as well.
The actor candidly opened up about the mental toll that comes with embodying such an emotionally complex character. “It’s this experience, more than any I’ve had. It’s hard for me to separate what the characters are going through and how it makes me feel,” he admitted.
"In a sense that isn't very healthy," Pascal said. "And so, I sort of feel their pain I guess, so I guess I was in an unhealthy state of mind."
In spite of the emotional requirements, Pascal spoke honestly about being enthusiastic for the coming season and about respect for the team behind the series. The Last of Us, which was based on the hit video game of the same name, became a cultural sensation—receiving critical praise for its storytelling, acting, and loyal adaptation.
"I think there's something that is really exciting about essentially giving everyone another season of a show that everyone loved and that everyone has worked so hard on and has put so much into," Pascal said.
As viewers prepare for Season 2, Pascal's moving comments provide insight into the actor's commitment and emotional investment in the narrative. His capacity to draw on real-world empathy and vulnerability and apply it to a character experiencing the end of civilization is one of the numerous reasons The Last of Us remains a global audience favorite.