actor Pedro Pascal, in a Variety interview, spoke openly about his mental health after the filming of The Last of Us Season 2. He told that getting ready for the new season was a “back-to-back end” for him and he went into a place he described as “deep and sometimes unhealthy mindset.”
For years, fans have celebrated Pascal’s acting skills for his talent for realistic character transformation and his loyalty to them. But this time, the actor has decided to face the drawbacks of such dedication–those one gets when presenting a character like Joel–who is emotionally complex.
A Role That Demanded Everything
The Last of Us is an adaptation of the popular PlayStation game series that is very emotional and tough. The first season was about Joel and Ellie’s dangerous journey across the United States, now a post-apocalyptic place. The show was a great success on HBO, being the most viewed and winning several awards and nominations.
However, in Season 2, the story digs further into the emotional grunge and darkness. This part takes place after the events of The Last of Us Part II, where Joel’s deeds become haunting for him. The game’s sequel deals with the main theme of grief, revenge, and trauma.
Pascal talked about how he had to be extremely emotional to portray Joel in Season 2. He said that the character’s angst, fears, and regrets clutched his own soul when he became the character again.
The Emotional Pressure Behind the Scenes
Pascal clarified that for some particular scenes, he would isolate himself for a long time, deep in thought, about Joel’s pain and decisions. He admitted, “There were moments I had to remind myself that I’m not actually Joel.” Yet, he had the feeling that he was not totally able to leave Joel behind once the shooting was over each day.
Nor was the social commentary aspect void of emotional impact among the filmmaker. He depicted it as “energetic” and a process that required the utmost commitment to distinguish between the imagined and the real world.
While he did not directly indicate what the storyline will be about, Pascal joked and said that among the episodes of Season 2, a few are the most difficult ones ever.
A Reminder for Self-Care
Though it was not without difficulties, Pascal dares to say that he is his own master in the project. In addition, to be more productive and successful, he is more focused on keeping both his bodily and mind health in good condition. Currently, he is learning to relax after a long shoot by engaging in mind-clearing activities like meditation, writing in a journal, and hosting family gatherings.
Hitting hard on the production team, the actor said that the love of the cast and the fantastic performance of Bella Ramsey, who plays the role of Ellie, are the factors that have carried him through. The deep connection they share in their personal lives has been instrumental in them becoming the leading forces for the show.
Fans React With Support
As of the time of the interview with Variety, fans swarmed social media and sent their well-wishing to Pascal. A considerable number of them made known their admiration for his truthful openness and vulnerability. Meanwhile, the rest felt that his frankness to voice his mental health thoughts could very likely chip away at the stigma attached to psychological strains among entertainers.
Calls for the reunion of cast members have been met with Myles Pinkney, “Last of the Us” music and sound director, expressing his fondness for returning to score and recalling the time getting to know his colleagues. “As I always do in every production I grace, if I get called, I am sure that all I will do is make some fantastic music,” he said.
What’s Next for The Last Of Us Season 2
The shooting for The Last of Us, Season 2, got under way officially in February 2025, and HBO is aiming for the series to go on air in January 2026. The second installment will bring new faces and ideas into the story, with Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) being one of the new characters, who will be both friend and foe of Ellie and Joel.
Given the emotional depth present in the upcoming story, it is obvious the cast is not holding back. And with Pascal forefronting the whole thing, watching is just another way of witnessing the ecstasy of the supernatural.
Pedro Pascal being so open about the emotional weight of playing Joel gives a rare glimpse behind the scenes. It lets you in on the immense effort put into developing a complex character. As fans wait for the next season, they can now watch with a deeper understanding of the personal dedication it takes to make a story feel real.
Stay tuned for more updates as The Last of Us Season 2 continues production.
