Exclusive: Inside Scoop - Matthew McConaughey Rescues The Last of Us Amidst Pedro Pascal's Scheduling Turmoil!

The Last of Us co-creator Craig Mazin recently discussed the casting process for the television series adaptation. Mazin revealed that initially, Pedro Pascal was not the only actor considered for the role of Joel. In fact, Matthew McConaughey was also in the running before Pascal ultimately secured the part. Mazin explained that while Pascal was always on his list of potential actors, there was a time when it seemed like he might not be available for the role. During this period, Mazin had a conversation with McConaughey about potentially taking on the role and even received confirmation from his agent regarding his availability. Despite McConaughey being a strong contender, Mazin expressed his satisfaction with the final casting decision and praised Pascal for his stellar performance in the series.

I had a conversation with Matthew, but it wasn't a continuous series of discussions. It was more like, "Hey, here's something worth discussing." Pedro was always on our list of potential candidates. Initially, we were informed that he wasn't available. However, when we were facing some uncertainty, I received a call from Matthew's agent who mentioned that he might actually be available.

Matthew McConaughey is an incredibly talented actor. I'm sure working with him would have been fantastic, but it would have resulted in a different outcome. Personally, I am satisfied with the version we created, so all in all, I believe it turned out well.

Why Pedro Pascal Was The Right Choice To Play The Last Of Us’ Joel

Pascal's rise to fame in recent years can be attributed to his roles in popular TV shows such as Game of Thrones and Narcos. However, it was his performances in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, along with his humble public persona, that solidified his status as a beloved figure among fans. What sets Pascal apart as a great casting choice for the character of Joel is his ability to effortlessly convey a sense of danger in his performances. Many viewers saw his role as Grogu's protector in The Mandalorian as a testament to his potential in portraying Joel. Like his character Din Djarin, Pascal can exude fatherly instincts while also embodying a cold and formidable warrior when the situation demands it. It is this combination of traits that makes Pascal an excellent fit for the role of Joel.

Pascal's portrayal of Joel in The Last Of Us games has received high praise, even from the original voice actor Troy Baker. Baker commends Pascal for bringing a more dangerous and nuanced version of the character to life, showcasing a unique balance between benevolence and the potential for great harm. Though it would have been intriguing to see Matthew McConaughey's interpretation, Pascal was ultimately the ideal choice for the role of Joel.