New Trailer for The Last of Us Season 2 Reveals Emotional Struggles, New Characters, and Winter Challenges for Joel and Ellie
The first trailer for The Last of Us Season 2 has been released, and it brings a lot of emotion for fans of the game. The trailer carries an emotional tone that everyone who has played the game anticipated after Season 1 ended.
Even though it might be a while until the new episodes are available, the trailer offers a view into what awaits Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). Fans are excited to see what lies ahead in their journey. But, watch out for the clickers!
“Future Days” by Pearl Jam Has Deep Meaning in Season 2
Throughout the trailer, Pearl Jam’s song “Future Days” plays in the background. Music has always been essential in The Last of Us, and this song holds special importance for Joel and Ellie. Joel plays it for Ellie when they settle in Jackson after the events of the first game.
The song’s lyrics reflect Joel’s feelings for Ellie, as she is the person keeping him grounded. The chorus of the song reflects Joel’s hope for a peaceful future with Ellie, treating her like his daughter as they both live in Jackson. Eventually, the song will hold a new meaning for Ellie, too.
New Characters Appear in Jackson in Season 2
At the end of Season 1, Joel saves Ellie and they return to Jackson. They are welcomed by Joel’s brother, Tommy (Gabriel Luna), and his wife, Maria (Rutina Wesley). The first part of the game takes place in Jackson and introduces several new characters.
The trailer gives a quick look at some of them, including Jesse (Young Mazino) and Dina (Isabela Merced), two of Ellie’s close friends. Jesse and Dina were once together, but even though Dina becomes pregnant, they part ways while staying close for their child’s sake.
A later scene shows Ellie playing guitar to Dina, hinting at their relationship becoming romantic. Another new character is a therapist, played by Catherine O’Hara, who speaks to Joel about his guilt over his past actions.
Winter Brings New Challenges for Joel and Ellie in Season 2
While there are tender moments, such as Joel and Ellie playing the guitar together, it is clear that winter has set in. The trailer shows snow-covered scenes filled with clickers, even attacking humans. Ellie is also seen fighting clickers in snow-covered corridors.
The beginning of the game also takes place during the winter, with heavy snow everywhere. Joel and Tommy save survivors from clickers in the buildings near Jackson. Ellie and Dina join later, and they fight through dark and cold areas, just like in the scenes from the trailer. However, the battles aren’t just against clickers.
New Enemies With Ties to Joel and Ellie’s Past Appear in Season 2
Among the snowy scenes, the trailer introduces a young woman with red eyes, likely from crying. This is Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), the main antagonist of the game. Joel and Ellie are likely the reason for her pain. Abby has a personal connection to both of them, and she is seeking revenge.
While she plays the role of an antagonist, she also has her own storyline in the game, where the player controls her character. Abby’s story explores her past, making her a tragic figure similar to Ellie. Her journey brings her to meet Joel and Ellie near Jackson, but she comes from Seattle.
Old Places Return and New Locations Emerge in Season 2
Season 2 begins in Jackson during the winter, but Joel and Ellie must leave the safety of their community to find new quests. Some of their journey will bring them back to places from the first game, like Salt Lake City, but new places will also be shown.
Most of the action happens in Seattle. The trailer shows Ellie and Dina moving through a subway train bathed in red lights, which likely happens in Seattle or on their way there.
In Seattle, Abby and her friends are part of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), a group formed after the fall of FEDRA. The WLF is led by Isaac (Jeffrey Wright), who appears interrogating a man in the trailer. This man might be the same person seen earlier, with scars on his face.
These scars are typical of another group from Seattle, the Seraphites. The Seraphites are religious zealots who control an island off the coast and fight the WLF for dominance.
In the trailer, Ellie finds the words “Feel her love,” written by the Seraphites. They play a key role in Abby’s storyline and are strong enemies for both Abby and Ellie.
The Last of Us Season 2 Will Arrive in 2025
Fans of The Last of Us can look forward to the next chapter in 2025. Until then, Season 1 is available for streaming on Max in the U.S.