Overview of Joel’s Story Across The Last of Us
This article explains Joel’s arc in The Last of Us games and TV adaptation, focusing on canonical outcomes and key narrative decisions that define his fate. We focus on works recognized as canonical within the shared universe and weigh how events in each medium relate to one another. This explanation prioritizes verifiable facts from developers and writers, while noting where interpretation and audience perspective differ.
What Happens to Joel in the Main Games
The Last of Us (2013)
In the first game, Joel survives the initial outbreak, travels with Ellie to the Fireflies, and ultimately chooses to save her by sacrificing a potential surgical procedure that could have created a cure. This decision leads to the collapse of the Fireflies’ efforts and sets the stage for Bill’s chapter, then the broader post-outbreak world.
In The Last of Us Part II (2020), Joel is already living in Jackson with Ellie when the story escalates. After the community is attacked, Joel is mortally wounded by Abby Anderson in a farmhouse confrontation. In the game’s closing sequences, Ellie tracks down Abby and witnesses Joel die from his injuries, choosing not to kill Abby in turn. This conclusion to Joel’s arc directly shapes the motivations and transformations of both Ellie and Abby.
The Last of Us Part I (Remake)
The remake of the original game follows the same narrative trajectory as the 2013 title, with updated mechanics and presentation. Joel’s choices, relationship with Tess, and the game’s pivotal surgical-center decision remain intact, preserving the core events that define his character.
The Last of Us Part I (2022 Remake) and Part II
The 2022 remakes and Part II maintain the same outcomes for Joel as the original releases. No canonical divergence is introduced; these versions offer enhanced visuals and gameplay while preserving the established story beats.
| Title | Joel’s Status | Narrative Outcome | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us (2013) | Alive at end | Chooses Ellie over cure; Fireflies collapse | Canonical game |
| The Last of Us Part II (2020) | Dies from injuries | Killed by Abby in farmhouse; Ellie does not kill Abby | Canonical game |
| The Last of Us TV series | Not yet arrived | As of the aired episodes, Joel survives in HBO’s timeline | Canonical adaptation (ongoing) |
| Other media (Left Behind, etc.) | Alive in respective timelines | Explores earlier periods of his life and relationship with Tess | Canonical side stories |
Joel in The Last of Us TV Series
In the HBO series, Joel is portrayed by Gabriel Luna in the present timeline and by Young Mazino in the flashbacks. As of the aired episodes, he has not yet died; his storyline in the show diverges from the games by keeping him alive and exploring his relationship with Tess and the early days of the outbreak. The series has not progressed to the points in the games where Joel’s fate is sealed, so his survival remains a current variable in this adaptation.
Other Canonical Appearances
Left Behind and other officially released side stories depict Joel earlier in the outbreak, prior to the events of the first game. These works are considered canonical but do not alter the outcomes established in the main titles; they instead expand context around his relationships and early survival decisions.
Non-Canonical Works and Fan Interpretations
Fan theories, unofficial mods, and speculative scenarios often explore alternate outcomes for Joel. While these can be meaningful for creative engagement, they are not supported by official sources. The explanations here restrict commentary to published, canonical material.
Key Takeaways
- In the games, Joel dies in The Last of Us Part II after being wounded by Abby.
- The 2013 game and its remake present the same events leading to that outcome.
- The HBO TV series has not yet reached the point of his death and keeps him alive in its current timeline.
- Canonical side stories enrich his background but do not change the core narrative conclusions.
Quick Comparison: Canonical Outcomes
| Medium | Status at Current Point | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us Part II (game) | Dead | Dies from wounds; Ellie witnesses his death |
| The Last of Us (game original) | Alive (ends) → Dies later | Sacrifices cure for Ellie; later dies in Part II |
| TV series (aired) | Alive | Story has not yet reached his death |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Joel dead in The Last of Us Part II? Yes; he dies from injuries inflicted by Abby during the farmhouse sequence in Part II.
- Does Joel die in the first game? No. He survives the conclusion of the first game and remains alive in Jackson at the start of Part II.
- Is Joel’s death reversible in any canon material? No. The established narrative across games and supplementary canon material treats his death as permanent within those timelines.
- How does the TV series handle Joel differently? The series has not yet caught up to the games, so Joel remains alive as of the current aired episodes.
Notes on Canonicity and Interpretation
The descriptions above rely on narrative outcomes confirmed by developers, released content, and official statements. Player interpretation, emotional impact, and hypothetical scenarios are valid forms of engagement but fall outside the scope of this factual explanation.