In anticipation of the second season of HBO's hit series "The Last of Us," lead actor Pedro Pascal revealed how he deeply connects with his character Joel's protective instincts, particularly when it comes to safeguarding loved ones.
"I'm pretty fiercely protective," Pascal shared during a recent press conference. "I'm protective of the people that I love. And I think that's probably the main component that I relate to." The 49-year-old actor portrays Joel, a father figure to Ellie (Bella Ramsey) in a post-apocalyptic world.
Pascal also opened up about the emotional weight of embodying such an intense role, admitting the experience has affected him more deeply than previous projects. "It's hard for me to separate what the characters are going through and how it makes me feel," he explained, acknowledging that his immersion in the character sometimes ventures into "unhealthy" territory.
Looking ahead to season 2, premiering April 13 on HBO, Pascal expressed enthusiasm about returning to the acclaimed series. He credited the show's success to the dedication of the entire production team, noting the excitement of delivering another season to devoted fans.
The actor also reflected on the show's resonance with current events, describing storytelling as a "cathartic" experience that has always served as humanity's way of documenting life. He emphasized how the series intelligently draws parallels to contemporary social and political issues while exploring human relationships under extreme circumstances.
The upcoming season, based on "The Last of Us Part II" video game, will welcome back familiar faces alongside new additions to the cast, including Catherine O'Hara. Viewers can currently stream the first season on Max.