HBO’s The Last of Us series has been a huge success and we can’t wait for its second season to premiere in a while. One of the great reasons that made this adaptation so special was the excellent performance of actors like Pedro Pascal in the role of Joel. However, the also protagonist of The Mandalorian It was not the only option that was considered to play this character.
At this point, it would be strange to imagine The Last of Us without the presence of Pedro Pascal, but it was Craig Mazin, the showrunner of the series, who recently confirmed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that one of the actors considered for the project was Matthew McConaugheybecause Pedro Pascal was very busy and at first it seemed that he was not going to be able to participate.
Furthermore, there were rumors that Mahershala Aliwho will soon play Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was going to be the one chosen for it, but Mazin has taken the opportunity to deny this information.
I never actually spoke to Mahershala. I spoke to Matthew. I wouldn’t say he was serious, it was more like “hey, here’s something we can talk about”.
Originally Pedro Pascal was on our list, but we were told that he was not available. And then, while we were kind of stumbling around, I got a call from his agent who said he might be available.
We went on Zoom and had what I think was the most wonderful connection I’ve ever had. It was just love at first sight. I’m sure there is a different universe where there is another actor. And look, Matthew McConaughey is an incredible actor. I’m sure he would have been great, but it would have been different. And I like the one we picked, so what can I say?
Matthew McConaughey at Dallas Buyers Club
It would have been curious to see the Oscar-winning actor from Dallas Buyers Club playing Joel. Perhaps, as Craig Mazin admits, in another universe in which he had been chosen, it would seem strange to us to think of Pedro Pascal in a role like this.
Be that as it may, it is undeniable that he has embroidered it with his interpretation and in principle it will be at the end of 2024 or in 2025 when we will see him again along with Bella Ramsey. That will be when the second season of The Last of Us on HBO, shooting for which is scheduled to begin in late 2023.
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