Pedro Pascal Believes The Last of Us Season 2 is One of the Best TV Shows Ever Made

The Last of Us has quickly become one of the most beloved television series since its debut in 2023.

The first season, based on the popular video game of the same name, captured the hearts of both gamers and non-gamers alike, earning widespread acclaim for its faithful adaptation, strong character development, and emotional storytelling.

The excitement building up for Season 2 of The Last of Us already features the show’s lead actor, Pedro Pascal, who plays the role of Joel, voicing his opinion that Season 2 will be among the best TV shows ever made.

With an even larger budget and a keen emphasis on character-driven drama, the second season is well-set to continue the legacy built by its predecessor and develop the story further into its place in television history.

The Success of The Last of Us Season 1

This show was clearly something else from the very first episode of The Last of Us Season 1. People had been waiting for an adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game from Naughty Dog, and it certainly delivered.

Fans of the game were thrilled by how close to the original story the show followed while also expanding upon it, making the transition from game to screen feel authentic and fresh.

One of the most outstanding features of Season 1 was its faithful adaptation of the video game. The series stayed true to the spirit of the game, particularly in its depiction of the post-apocalyptic world, while also exploring the emotional depth of its characters.

This balance between action and emotional storytelling allowed the show to resonate with a wider audience, including those who had never played the game.

In fact, many of the viewers were attracted by the show because of strong character development and how the deep emotional bonds between characters were portrayed. The survival series was not just a matter of survival in the dystopian world; it was about the relationships formed in the face of loss, pain, and uncertainty.

The relationship between Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) became the heart of the series. Their journey, full of challenges, loss, and growth, drove the narrative and made viewers emotionally invested in their story.

Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a young girl immune to the infection that has ravaged the world, form a complex bond as they navigate the dangers of their environment. Their dynamic, full of love, grief, and tension, is what truly sets The Last of Us apart from other shows in the post-apocalyptic genre.

The first season’s critical acclaim also translated into widespread popularity. The show quickly gained a dedicated fanbase, with both gamers and newcomers to the story praising its depth, storytelling, and impressive performances.

The acting, of course, was brilliant in itself, especially by Pascal and Ramsey, as everyone would say that their interpretation of Joel and Ellie could be among the greatest that has been seen on recent television history. The series would capture the essence of the game but also introduce a new dimension to make the series accessible and riveting to a wide audience.

Thoughts of Pedro Pascal about The Last of Us Season 2

As The Last of Us Season 2 approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting what’s to come. Pedro Pascal, who plays the central character of Joel, has expressed his excitement for the upcoming season and believes it will be nothing short of extraordinary.

In a recent interview, Pascal boldly said that he is sure The Last of Us Season 2 will be “one of the best TV shows ever made.” Such a statement depicts his high level of confidence in the series and his part in it.

There are quite a few praises when considering the performance of Pascal while he portrayed Joel. To audiences, he brought such character to life in what may be familiar to players, but new to outsiders of the game.

Indeed, the complex nature with regards to Joel as a father figure, protector, and survivor is fully realized because of Pascal’s performance in it, and his depiction has become one of the main features of the show.

As the story unfolds into Season 2, viewers will see more of Joel’s emotional struggles and the moral dilemmas that come with his decisions.

Season 2 is going to dig even deeper into the relationship between Joel and Ellie as they keep moving in this dangerous world.

With higher stakes and new challenges, Pascal said that Joel’s character is going to grow a lot more and face a lot more challenges that will test his bond with Ellie.

So, the emotional depth of the show, coupled with the high-stakes survival elements, will continue to make it resonate with viewers on a personal level.

The Budget Increase: $100 Million to $200 Million

One of the most thrilling facts about The Last of Us Season 2 is the highly increased budget. The season 1 production budget, which was around $100 million, allowed the show to feature high production values and impressive special effects along with elaborate set designs.

The budget helped bring the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us to life with a gritty and immersive atmosphere that felt both authentic and haunting.

For Season 2, however, the budget is almost doubled, at a staggering $200 million. This is already a telltale sign that its creators are out to do everything bigger and better than the first season.

The result is that bigger and elaborate sets, better special effects, and more massive action sequences are to be seen in this season. By opening up more resources, that would mean even more action as the show will bring all the game’s world and even larger scenes with such ambitious visual storytelling.

The increased budget will also allow for a more complexly developed cast and deeper exploration of the emotional elements that made Season 1 such a hit.

With an increased budget, the producers can pour all their attention into refining every aspect of the show, from the visual effects to the emotionally charged moments that have made The Last of Us such a standout series. Fans should expect a more refined, epic experience as the series continues.

The Heart of the Story: Joel and Ellie’s Relationship

Joel and Ellie’s relationship forms the heart of The Last of Us. What propels the story forward is the bond they develop through trust, survival, and love. Season 1 had much of this relationship in focus, while Season 2 will expand further into it.

As the characters grow and face new challenges, their emotional connection will become even more central to the narrative.

Joel, whose protective instincts have been both a strength and a weakness, will continue to face tough choices that will challenge his relationship with Ellie.

Meanwhile, Ellie-from a small, curious and naive girl to a survivor, big and strong-should travel through the issues of both her identity and the one surrounding her.

It’s not just a survival journey in a post-apocalyptic world but also a complex emotional journey about love, loss, and morality. The evolution of their relationship is what makes the show’s storytelling so powerful and relatable, even in a world as dire as the one presented in The Last of Us.

What to Expect in Season 2

Season 2 will be an expansion and a push on both aspects of character-driven drama as well as post-apocalyptic survival.

The emotional heaviness of the story would be amplified as Joel and Ellie’s relationship faces even greater trials and tribulations.

The increased budget would provide for even more dramatic sets, but the show being focused on strong, character-driven narratives will make sure that the emotional core is at the forefront.

With a new season comes new challenges, and The Last of Us Season 2 will continue to explore the human experience in a world where survival is the ultimate goal, but love and morality remain at the heart of the journey.

The Last of Us has already proven itself as one of the most captivating and well-crafted television series of recent years. The expectations for the show are extremely high with Pedro Pascal stating that Season 2 will be one of the best shows ever made. This will, of course, add even more stakes to it.

With a much larger budget, deeper character exploration, and a world that keeps on evolving, The Last of Us Season 2 is ready to take the show to even greater heights. Fans can expect more emotional storytelling, thrilling survival elements, and a continuation of the unforgettable bond between Joel and Ellie as they journey through a broken world.