The controversial death of Joel in The Last of Us: Part II

Joel’s death, a central moment in The Last of Us: Part II, caused a huge stir. The event, which both players and developers have spoken about, reflects the game’s deeper themes of revenge and the consequences of past actions. This article looks at the context behind the controversial decision, the developers’ reactions, and its impact on the community.

The setup for Joel’s death

In The Last of Us: Part II, released in 2020, Joel is killed by Abby, a member of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Abby, seeking revenge for Joel’s actions in the first game, beats him to death with a golf club. This brutal murder is one of the game’s most shocking moments and sparked a wave of discussion and controversy.

Internal controversy at Naughty Dog

Heather Cerlan, a former environment and texture artist at Naughty Dog, revealed that the decision to kill Joel also sparked a lot of debate internally. According to her, the team was “pretty divided” over the outcome, with many questioning whether it was the right creative choice. The shocking nature of Joel’s death led to major backlash from the fanbase, with some players even sending death threats to actress Laura Bailey, who plays Abby.

Fan reactions

Joel’s death triggered an intense and often toxic debate within the gaming community. Many fans were not only upset by the event itself, but also by the consequences for Abby’s character. The backlash became so heated that Bailey also received threats involving her newborn son during the game’s release period. This has shed new light on the impact that game storylines can have on cast members and their lives outside the industry.

The impact on future stories

Despite Joel’s death, fans of the franchise may have reason to hope, as actor Troy Baker has suggested that we may see Joel again. That has fueled speculation about possible prequels or other stories that could further explore Joel’s personality. Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann has also said that new projects are in development, including Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, adding to the anticipation around the studio’s future.

Joel’s controversial death in The Last of Us: Part II remains a major talking point among gamers and developers. It has not only affected the game’s narrative, but also sparked broader discussions about developers’ responsibilities and the impact of their stories on a dedicated community.