Hollywood filmmaker Craig Mazin, known for acclaimed works like Chernobyl and the Scary Movie franchise, has opened up about the evolving dynamic between Joel and Ellie in the upcoming second season of ‘The Last of Us’.

Set to premiere next week, the new season dives into the emotional complexities and growing tension between the lead characters.

“When we meet Joel and Ellie this season, five years have gone by, which in and of itself implies that things must have been going pretty well. They’re still alive. They live in Jackson. And even between the two of them, things must have been going well,” Mazin shared. “You can’t exist in a state of conflict with somebody like that for five straight years.”

However, despite the calm exterior of life in Jackson, cracks are beginning to show. The lie Joel told Ellie about what truly happened at the hospital continues to haunt their relationship.

Now 19 years old, Ellie has matured and changed, becoming more independent. Joel, sensing the distance, struggles to understand the shift in her behavior. “Interestingly, Joel is trying to figure out why, which implies that this is not something that’s been going on for five years—it’s somewhat recent. Why is she angry?” Mazin explained.

This season introduces a new character, Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara, who serves as a therapist in Jackson. Gail becomes a confidante for Joel as he tries to navigate Ellie’s emotional detachment.

Mazin added, “Joel is going to therapy to figure out how to deal with what he thinks, or hopes, is a standard—‘I’ve got a 19-year-old kid wanting independence, rejecting Dad.’ But Gail challenges that view, suggesting the root of the problem may be deeper.”

Joel is left questioning whether the lie he told Ellie is now causing the rift between them.

Season 2 of The Last of Us will stream on JioHotstar from April 14 in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.