Gabriel Luna Discusses Tommy’s Journey Following Joel’s Death in ‘The Last of Us’

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 3 of “The Last of Us,” which aired on April 27.

The characters in “The Last of Us” are forever altered after Joel’s tragic death.

Pedro Pascal’s character took his final breath in the second episode, leaving the residents of Jackson—Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey)—deeply affected by the loss, as are countless fans of the series.

“Any sudden change in family dynamics transforms your life,” Gabriel Luna shared with TODAY.com during a special screening of the third episode, hosted by Max and Complex.

Luna indicated that henceforth, there will be a “dramatic shift in how the family interacts with one another.”

While Ellie embarks on a path of vengeance, Tommy, Joel’s brother, grapples with his next steps, including his role in caring for Ellie.

The third episode opens with Tommy observing Joel’s lifeless body, before he begins to clean his arm with a rag.

“Give Sarah my love,” Tommy says to his deceased brother, referring to Joel’s late daughter, who perished in the series premiere.

Three months pass, and Ellie is determined to track down Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), the one responsible for Joel’s death. She aims to rally the town’s support.

However, Tommy informs Ellie that any assembly of a group to assist her requires a council meeting and a vote.

Sadly for her, her request does not pass. Undaunted, she and Dina (Isabel Merced) push ahead with their plan to locate Abby in Seattle.

During a post-screening Q&A, Luna revealed that Tommy “definitely” supported assembling a team to go to Seattle, stating, “I already told her I’ve got her back.”

Tommy’s Plans for the Season Ahead

What are Tommy’s next steps? According to Luna, his character feels an increased sense of responsibility towards Ellie.

“She’s my now. I have to look after her. The weight of her quest for ‘justice’ and revenge is a burden she doesn’t carry alone,” Luna remarked. “I can’t let her go through this alone.”

Is Tommy Aware of Joel’s Actions Against the Fireflies?

Luna suggests that the recurring question of “Who is the villain?” may remain unresolved, encouraging the audience to ponder it for themselves.

“It’s always subjective. At times, I might be the villain in someone’s story,” he reflected.

Yet, in Tommy’s perspective, it’s difficult to say, “because I never met those responsible for my brother’s downfall.”

Luna believes that Tommy is unaware of Joel’s actions against the Fireflies to save Ellie.

“That’s the tragedy—Joel took that secret with him until the end, and Ellie is the only living soul to bear that burden. It’s likely why so many of the subsequent decisions are made,” he elaborated.

Luna appreciates the show’s “realism.”

“We make choices and face the consequences. That’s the essence of the story,” he stated.

Reflecting on Joel’s ultimate demise, Luna described the decision to end the character’s arc as “a powerful” one.

This choice will further the narrative.

“That’s just life. People die, and that’s the reality,” he concluded. “I admire how relentless our show is in portraying that truth, and how brutally honest it can be about life’s unpredictable nature and the sudden shifts it brings.”