Remembering the moment Pedro Pascal became Joel in HBO's 'The Last of Us'

It was 2021 when the entertainment world buzzed with the announcement that Pedro Pascal, known for his iconic role in The Mandalorian and as the unforgettable Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, would take on yet another challenging role. He was set to become Joel in HBO's adaptation of 'The Last of Us'.

From the sands of Dorne to the wastelands of America

Deadline had been the first to bring us the news, only shortly after we had learned that Bella Ramsey, who portrayed the fierce Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, had been cast as Ellie. This powerful duo's casting painted a vivid picture of the adventures and hardships Joel and Ellie would face in a desolate, post-apocalyptic America. With Pascal's intensity and Ramsey's raw talent, fans were gearing up for an unforgettable series.

Interestingly, rumors had swirled that Mahershala Ali, the acclaimed star from True Detective, had been considered for Joel's role. Though he was in the mix, no official agreement was made, making way for Pascal's entry.

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A story reborn on screen

The task of adapting the revered story of 'The Last of Us' for television was in capable hands. Entrusted to game creative director, Neil Druckmann, and the mastermind behind HBO's gripping Chernobyl series, Craig Mazin, there was little doubt that the story of Ellie and Joel's survival would grip audiences worldwide.

Given Pedro Pascal's range, from a bounty hunter in a galaxy far away to a vengeful prince in Westeros, fans eagerly anticipated his portrayal of Joel. And as GamesRadar aptly noted back in 2021, each revelation about 'The Last of Us' TV series made it more promising.

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Looking back, one can only marvel at the array of talent 2021 brought together for the series. If you're in the mood for a nostalgia trip, it might be time to revisit some of the best TV shows from recent years and see how Pascal's portrayal stands the test of time.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)