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Season 2 of The Last of Us presents audiences with fresh challenges for protagonists Joel and Ellie. Portrayed by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the pair confronts evolving menaces five years after Joel’s controversial rescue of Ellie from the Fireflies. The premiere episode of this season unveiled a significant revelation concerning Joel – his implication in the demise of a character named Eugene. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding Eugene’s death in the acclaimed series.
Hollywood Life provides a detailed analysis of Eugene’s role, his passing, and his link to Joel.
Who Portrays Eugene in The Last of Us?
Joe Pantoliano embodies the character of Eugene, although he has not yet appeared in the second season of the HBO drama. Pantoliano boasts an extensive career across television and film, notably recognized for his portrayal of Ralph Cifaretto in The Sopranos. His diverse resume includes supporting roles in seminal series and films such as Hill Street Blues, The Goonies, La Bamba, Empire of the Sun, Midnight Run, NYPD Blue, Memento, and Bad Boys.
Exploring the Character of Eugene in The Last of Us
Eugene is established as the husband of Gail, Joel’s therapist, played by Catherine O’Hara. Eugene and Gail were married until his death, which occurred prior to the events of season 2.
Joe Pantoliano as Eugene in The Last of Us #TheLastofUs pic.twitter.com/oQOdCI1JEJ
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Unveiling the Circumstances of Eugene’s Death in The Last of Us
Episode 1 of season 2 explicitly reveals the manner of Eugene’s death through Gail: Joel was responsible.
“You fatally shot my husband,” Gail declares to Joel during their initial therapy session depicted to viewers. “You killed Eugene. And I harbor resentment towards you for this. Indeed, perhaps it surpasses mere resentment. I feel hatred because of it.”
Despite acknowledging, “I am aware you were compelled to do it. I understand I should offer forgiveness,” Gail admits her inability to forgive “due to the manner in which [Joel] executed it.”
Delving Deeper into Eugene’s Fate in The Last of Us
Gail’s acknowledgment that Joel “had no alternative” in shooting Eugene suggests potential scenarios: Eugene might have been infected by the Cordyceps fungus, posed a lethal threat to Joel, or both. It’s also plausible Eugene jeopardized Ellie’s safety. Notably, Eugene remains unseen in the Last of Us Part II video game, appearing only in photographs and as a former member of the Fireflies – the faction intent on exploiting Ellie to develop a Cordyceps infection antidote.
Series creator Neil Druckmann discussed Eugene’s character and the chance to expand his narrative presence beyond the game’s depiction in a March 2025 interview with Variety.
“I find myself excited by such prospects,” Druckmann stated. “I think ‘Oh, Eugene is not a character I know intimately!’ His portrayal in the video game narrative was relatively shallow. This iteration of the character profoundly impacts the core dynamic between Joel and Ellie.”