The Last of Us TV series produced by HBO is widely regarded as the pinnacle of video game adaptations. The show has successfully captivated and impressed audiences in its seven episodes with its outstanding performance. However, Joel, portrayed remarkably by Pedro Pascal, could have been portrayed by a different actor, as stated by series star Jeffrey Pierce.
The most recent episode of the show, “Left Behind,” portrays Joel as severely injured and struggling after an encounter with raiders at Colorado University. Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel as a grieving father who is hesitant to form another emotional attachment with Ellie (Bella Ramsey) has received much praise. However, according to Jeffrey Pierce, who played Perry in the series and voiced Tommy, Joel’s younger brother in the 2014 video game, another well-known actor was initially considered for the role of Joel. In an interview with The Direct, Pierce revealed that Mahershala Ali was initially in talks for the role of Joel, indicating that he would not be playing Tommy. Pierce also recognized that Pedro Pascal was eventually cast and was older than him, so he had no illusions about playing the role of Joel.
Although Pedro Pascal has proven to be an excellent choice for the role of Joel in the Naughty Dog adaptation, Mahershala Ali would have been a great option as well. As an Oscar-winning actor, Ali has demonstrated his exceptional talent in previous works and would have undoubtedly brought his best to The Last of Us. Additionally, if he had accepted the role, Ali would have extended his partnership with HBO, having previously appeared in True Detective and the network’s upcoming limited drama Unruly.
A second season of ‘The Last of Us’ has been confirmed for production
Moving ahead, we have the pleasure of witnessing the outstanding acting by Pascal as he portrays Joel. With the upcoming episode of the show, it will be gratifying to see him recover from his injuries, especially since he has excelled at playing the archetype of a “man on the run with a child.” The tremendous success of the first season has led to the renewal of “The Last of Us” for a second season, which will feature Joel in a continuation of the story from the second part of the game series, “The Last of Us Part II.”
‘The Last of Us’ episode 8 airs Sunday. Preview below.
