**What to Anticipate from *The Last of Us* Season 2**
We’ve persevered, we’ve triumphed, and now, we await.
The inaugural season of *The Last of Us* concluded in March 2023, leaving audiences emotionally shaken and hungry for more. With Season 2 approaching, numerous inquiries linger—unless, of course, you’ve experienced *The Last of Us Part II*.
For those unacquainted with Naughty Dog’s critically lauded sequel, the fates of Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) remain ambiguous. The series wrapped up with Joel’s contentious decision to rescue Ellie, forgoing a possible cure for the Cordyceps infection and annihilating the Fireflies’ medical crew, including their leader, Marlene (Merle Dandridge). Now, back in Jackson, the subsequent chapter of their saga commences.
If you’re interested in what lies ahead in Season 2, **be cautious of spoilers ahead**. We’ll explore essential plot developments, trailer clues, and first-look insights to scrutinize what director Craig Mazin and creator Neil Druckmann have prepared. While we won’t give away every detail, we will accentuate some of the most pivotal moments—some of which are sure to elicit fervent reactions.
If you haven’t played *The Last of Us Part II* and wish to sidestep spoilers, you might prefer to peruse our **[burning questions article](https://mashable.com/article/the-last-of-us-finale-questions)** instead.
For everyone else, let’s dissect the primary narratives and characters arriving in Season 2—including one that will surely incite an uproar among fans.
—
### New and More Horrifying Infected
While *The Last of Us Part II* didn’t completely revamp the Infected, it did unveil some spine-chilling new variants. The latest HBO trailer hints that airborne Cordyceps spores—missing from Season 1 for practical filming reasons—will now come into play.
One of the most frightening new Infected types is the **Stalker**, which makes a brief appearance in the trailer. These beings lurk in the dark, utilizing echolocation like Clickers but with the added capability to **see** their victims before launching an attack.
There’s also buzz about the arrival of the **Rat King**, a grotesque fusion of multiple Infected merged into one colossal, terrifying being. If HBO brings this abomination to the screen, it could rival some of the most horrific scenes in the series.
—
### Returning to Jackson
Season 2 will lead us back to **Jackson, Wyoming**, the fortified community where Joel reunited with his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and his wife Maria (Rutina Wesley) in Season 1, Episode 6.
In the game, Jackson serves as a key location, though it wasn’t directly encountered in *The Last of Us Part I*. The series, however, culminated its first season with Joel and Ellie returning to Jackson, paving the way for Season 2.
The new season is expected to commence **four years later**, as indicated in the trailer. Tommy and Maria now have a young son, a new development not featured in the game. Meanwhile, Ellie, aged 19, is living autonomously and scouting for Infected with her horse, Shimmer. But her life is set to alter significantly.
—
### Ellie’s Next Great Love
Ellie’s initial romance, Riley (Storm Reid), met a sorrowful fate in *The Last of Us* Season 1, but her tale of love and heartbreak carries on. In Episode 6, a fleeting moment in the Jackson food hall had fans theorizing about the introduction of **Dina**, Ellie’s future love interest.
In Season 2, Dina will be portrayed by **Isabela Merced** (*Madame Web*). Their relationship will take center stage, beginning with an unforgettable barn dance scene where they share their inaugural kiss. As their connection deepens, Dina will be a vital part of Ellie’s journey, standing by her through heartbreak, peril, and a quest for retribution.
Ellie’s closest friend, **Jesse**, Dina’s previous boyfriend, will also be introduced. Portrayed by **Young Mazino** (*Beef*), Jesse will accompany Ellie and Dina on their adventure, aiding them in tracking down those responsible for one of the series’ most shocking events.
—
### The Moment That Will Devastate Fans: Joel’s Death
For those who have experienced *The Last of Us Part II*, we understand what’s on the horizon—and it’s heartbreaking.
Joel’s demise stands as one of the most astonishing and emotionally distressing moments in gaming history. After spending so many hours navigating the world with him, players were left to witness his brutal murder right in front of Ellie.
Considering **Pedro Pascal’s immense popularity**, this moment will inevitably send shockwaves through the fandom. Prepare for social media to explode with reactions.