Unveiling the Perfect Replacement: The Last of Us Season 2 & Beyond

Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Part II and the potential future storylines in HBO's The Last of Us.

Summary

The Last of Us season 2 may potentially feature character substitutions for Joel, enabling the introduction of additional secondary protagonists to accompany Ellie.

Notable characters such as Maria, Jesse, and Dina could assume more prominent positions in the series, thus offering fresh dynamics and relationships for Ellie.

Abby, the person responsible for Joel's death, is set to become a key character in The Last of Us season 2, potentially filling the void left by Joel's absence.

In order to introduce new secondary leads alongside Ellie, The Last of Us season 2 and future adaptations may explore character replacements for Joel. It is highly likely that the HBO show will follow the same storyline that fans of the video game are already familiar with. In the first season, the show closely adhered to the original source material, making Ellie's development and quest for revenge even more compelling following Joel's tragic demise. While Ellie primarily journeyed alone in the second game, the show has the opportunity to change this dynamic by granting another character a more significant role in the narrative.

5 Maria

As a newly formed duo bound by a strong father-daughter bond, Ellie and Joel were inseparable throughout season 1, adding depth and emotion to the narrative. Continuing this dynamic in future seasons would be logical to further develop the other characters within The Last of Us universe. Although Joel's irreplaceable presence, especially after his tragic fate in The Last of Us Part II, can never be replicated, it doesn't exclude the possibility of supporting characters stepping up as secondary protagonists to assist Ellie in her quest for vengeance.

Maria, the wife of Tommy, Joel's brother, could serve as an ideal replacement for Joel, assuming the role of a supportive mother figure. In the show, Maria was portrayed as a caring and tender-hearted character who possesses the ability to empathize with others. However, she is also a strong-willed individual who is unafraid to voice her opinions and take charge. The first installment of The Last of Us game briefly showcased a moment between Maria and Ellie, wherein their community came under attack by raiders. Despite their limited acquaintance, the two characters found solace in opening up to one another. Incorporating this dynamic into the show could create an intriguing mother-daughter bond.

4 Jesse

Moreover, it is noteworthy that in The Last of Us show, Maria becomes pregnant, a storyline that diverges from the original game. The introduction of a child into her life might amplify her commitment to safeguarding Ellie or assisting her in seeking retribution, consequently reshaping the essence of The Last of Us season 2. If Maria witnesses the immense grief that consumes Tommy following his brother's tragic demise, she may be driven to rectify the situation, potentially leading to her decision to adopt Ellie in the future.

With his determination and caring nature, Jesse could serve as a viable replacement for Joel in accompanying Ellie on her mission to track down the killer. The Last of Us Part II featured several moments showcasing the troublesome situations that Jesse and Ellie found themselves in, as well as highlighting the strong bond, effective teamwork, and lighthearted conversations between the two characters throughout the game. Despite Jesse's lesser role in the second installment, his ability to make Ellie feel more confident and enjoy herself adds a refreshing dynamic that could be captivating to witness on the small screen. Given the dark tone of The Last of Us season 2, it becomes vital to include positive relationships that serve as a respite for the audience from the gloomy atmosphere.

3 Dina

Jesse, the leader of the patrol groups in the Jackson community, serves as a dependable and level-headed figure who has the ability to provide Ellie with valuable guidance when she is in dire need of it. Additionally, potential spinoff opportunities arise for characters like Jesse in The Last of Us, as his introduction to Jackson on behalf of Maria, as well as his involvement in rescuing other survivors from clicker attacks in the outside world, establishes a compelling backstory.

Dina plays a crucial role in The Last of Us Part II as she develops a romantic relationship with Ellie, adding a sense of warmth to the story. Early on, players witness a heartfelt moment when these two characters share a kiss while dancing, which helps Ellie break free from her emotional barriers caused by the ongoing disagreement with Joel. Moreover, Dina's presence is significant as she accompanies Ellie in her journey to find Abby, fully aware of the profound impact Joel's death has had on her beloved. Given Dina's pivotal role as a secondary protagonist in the game, it wouldn't be surprising if the show followed a similar path to delve into Ellie's character growth.

2 Abby

: Moreover, it is speculated that Dina may have made a surprise appearance in episode 6 of The Last of Us, subtly establishing her character as she anxiously observed Ellie from a distance. Dina plays a crucial role in restoring Ellie's humanity and supporting her during the challenging phase of dealing with Joel's loss. Hence, it would be logical for Dina to assume the role of the secondary protagonist in The Last of Us season 2, aligning with the narrative trajectory.

Abby, the character responsible for killing Joel, is not a potential companion for Ellie. Instead, Abby emerges as the new central figure in The Last of Us season 2 and beyond. This decision may generate controversy among audiences unfamiliar with the game and who have yet to grasp Abby's motivations. Abby can be seen as a sort of substitute for Joel, given her prominent role in The Last of Us Part II where it is revealed that Joel was the one who killed her father at the Firefly hospital. Her quest for revenge, her relationships, and her future storyline will fill the void that Joel's absence has created.

1 Tommy

The Last of Us season 2 has already selected Abby for the cast, implying her character eagerly awaits her debut on the small screen. Controversial as she may be, it would indeed be intriguing to witness the interplay between her and Bella Ramsey's Ellie, particularly contemplating the possibility of darker moments following Joel's demise.

Tommy, the younger brother of Joel, emerges as the most fitting and authentic secondary lead for Season 2 of The Last of Us. With his limited presence in the show, it becomes logical for his character to undergo substantial development in the second season, particularly after witnessing his brother's brutal murder. In the second installment of the video game, Tommy embarks on a relentless pursuit of Abby, seeking to avenge his brother's death by eliminating her associates. Rather than following the game's trajectory, the show could deviate by making Tommy Ellie's companion instead of Dina, forging another poignant father-daughter bond that viewers would deeply cherish, especially in the absence of Joel.

Gabriel Luna's portrayal of Tommy in season 2 of The Last of Us was enhanced by his dedicated preparation, which involved playing the game itself. This suggests that Tommy's character will expand and become more prominent as he seeks revenge alongside Ellie. Given their shared desire after witnessing Joel's death, it would not be unexpected if they joined forces in future seasons. This positioning Tommy as one of the most fitting successors to Joel in HBO's The Last of Us.