Between speculations and final decisions, the choice of Pedro Pascal as Joel was a journey full of surprises.
As the world abuzz with the news that the acclaimed video game ‘The Last of Us’ is getting a live-action adaptation, fans are starting to speculate on who will play the iconic Joel Miller. Pedro Pascal, best known for his role in ‘Game of Thrones’, emerged as the perfect choice, albeit not before shedding the uncertainty and star-studded competition.
The first option is not always the last
Pedro Pascal, although originally considered to play Joel, faced hurdles due to prior commitments, leaving other options open. Among them, Matthew McConaughey, whose first talk about the role added a level of attraction to the cast.
Troy Baker, Joel’s original voice actor in the game, left his mark on the series not by reprising his role, but by keeping the darkness and the connection between the game and the series versions.
The call that changed everything
Series creator Craig Mazin shared how Pascal’s existence went from doubt to certainty on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. Pascal’s speed and passion for the role was evident, with an almost instantaneous rapport that promises to take Joel to new heights.
Pascal, although he knew he hadn’t played the video game, immersed himself in the script, finding in Joel the character who was able to perfectly capture his personality and eagerly continuing his journey in the second episode of ‘The End’.
The irresistible beauty of Joel
Beyond existential and post-apocalyptic challenges, Joel Miller represents the emotional depth and human complexity of ‘The Last of Us’, a masterpiece in the original video game version and sequel adaptation. Pedro Pascal’s ability to craft a character rich in elements was key to conveying this depth, strengthening the bond between fans and the narrative. His performance not only captures the essence of Joel, but also expands the emotional reach of the series and creates an unbreakable bond with the audience.
When considering what Matthew McCon could have brought to the role, it’s fascinating to imagine how different actors could have played Joel, highlighting the importance of casting when adapting video game stories to the screen. This reflection not only celebrates Pascal’s talent, but also invites appreciation for the creative process behind ‘The Last of Us’, showing the care and concern that goes into bringing such beloved characters to life in new and exciting ways. .
What would it be?
As Pascal proves himself as Joel, the revelation that McConaughey was considered for the role invites us to imagine an alternate universe where ‘The Last of Us’ took a different path. Although Mazin recognized McConaughey’s talent, Pascal’s portrayal brought a unique dimension to Joel’s character.
While Troy Baker advises Josh Brolin as Joel, his involvement in the series and other voice actors from the game, such as Merle Dandridge, underscores the importance of preserving the essence of the game through its beloved characters.
The casting of Pedro Pascal as Joel in ‘The Last of Us’ represents more than a simple casting decision. It’s a combination of talent, possibilities and creative vision that gave life to one of the most complex and beloved characters in the world of video games. As fans gear up for season two, Pascal’s performance is not only a personal triumph, but a new standard as a video game adaptation of the series.