Neil Druckmann, the director of The Last of Us, along with the show’s creator Craig Mazin, have shared their perspectives on Joel’s climactic decision at the conclusion of the first game. Both are in accord that they would likely take similar actions under those traumatic circumstances.
In narratives centered around zombie apocalypses, characters constantly face harrowing choices, from pilfering resources from fellow survivors to ending the life of an infected ally to prevent them from transforming into something terrifying. The Last of Us is no exception, with Joel and Ellie making numerous difficult decisions throughout both titles. However, one choice stands out – Joel’s shocking decision at the end of the first installment. Note that there will be significant spoilers for both The Last of Us games and potentially the TV adaptation as well, so proceed with caution if you wish to avoid them.
As The Last of Us reaches its finale, Ellie is prepared for a procedure that could offer a breakthrough against the cordyceps infection, but Joel learns that this operation will cost Ellie her life. In a desperate act, he violently murders all the staff in the hospital to save her. Fans have long debated Joel’s actions since the game’s launch in 2013, and now Mazin and Druckmann have addressed the matter.
In an interview with IGN, Druckmann stated, “I believe Joel was right… If I were in Joel’s position, I hope I would be able to do what he did to save my daughter.” Although he acknowledged a difference in opinion with Mazin, the latter admitted, “I think that if I were in Joel’s position, I probably would have done what he did,” although he expressed a hint of uncertainty, commenting, “I’d like to think that I wouldn’t. That’s the interesting push and pull of the morality of it.”
Seven years later, with the release of The Last of Us Part 2, the ramifications of Joel’s actions became painfully clear. The physician whom Joel killed at the hospital was the father of Abby, a character who sought vengeance against Joel, setting the stage for the events of the sequel. While Druckmann avoided outright condemning Joel, it’s evident that he recognizes the complexity and moral ambiguity surrounding Joel’s choice.
Druckmann recently commented on the possibility of The Last of Us Part 3, saying, “so many stars have to align, I can’t guarantee it.”