Gabriel Luna discusses significant changes in his character Tommy’s storyline in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2. As the season unfolds, it adapts the storyline from Naughty Dog’s acclaimed video game series, presenting new dimensions in the lives of Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal). In the second episode titled “Through The Valley,”viewers witness the tensions rise as infected individuals and old adversaries invade the Jackson Hole settlement, leading to a split among the characters.
Luna, reflecting on the television adaptation that pulls away from Tommy’s involvement in a crucial game moment—Joel’s confrontation with Abby (Kaitlyn Dever)—shared his insights during an interview with Esquire. He expressed initial concerns about Tommy’s character revealing Joel’s identity recklessly, suggesting that a seasoned protector like Tommy may not make such a naive choice. Ultimately, he welcomed the creative shift, which brought forth a more prominent role for Dina (Isabel Merced), creating a unique opportunity for character development. Below, find his detailed thoughts:
The truth is, back when we were doing the first season, I talked to [showrunner] Craig [Mazin] and [game creator] Neil [Druckmann] about it. Would Tommy be that careless to reveal Joel’s identity? As a seasoned veteran, somebody who had to protect this city and keep it safe, would he be so trusting of strangers? And then to walk into this ambush and be knocked out for that moment, unable to use any of his strength and skills to protect his brother, it always pinged in my mind—I wouldn’t say false, but I don’t know if Tommy would have been that trusting to walk into that trap.
Craig turned to me and he’s like, “Don’t worry, I have an idea.” Before the strike, he was starting to break the stories. He sent me this Bible-long text about where Tommy is and what he’s doing instead. And it floored me. I was so excited. I’m getting goose bumps now thinking about it. The idea there would be this role reversal where it would be Dina rather than Tommy, that works for her to be there. Somebody who still loves Joel and sees him as family, and would be devastated when this all goes down. I’m reading this text Craig sent. It said, [I’m] going to be in Jackson, there’s a massive horde, and [I’m] going to fight them with the town. I was like, “This is amazing.” Then I find out Mark Mylod is directing. We’re in the lineage of amazing, blockbuster-movie-quality battle scenes. We were already referencing “Battle of the Bastards” from Game of Thrones as inspiration for what we were doing.
Repercussions for The Last of Us Season 2
Impact of Tommy’s Revised Backstory
The storyline in The Last of Us Part II showcases a different dynamic as Tommy and Joel navigate their encounters with Abby, while Ellie and Dina manage their own perilous path. Notably, the infected attack on Jackson Hole is a unique addition for the series, further distinguishing it from the game narrative. Additionally, Tommy’s military background in the series is a fresh twist that deviates from the game’s original framework.
While both the game and series depict Tommy and Joel’s underestimation of Abby’s group, the motivations are nuanced differently in each medium. In the game, their complacency stems from Joel’s belief that he has eradicated all Fireflies, compounded by their tranquil existence that has dulled their awareness to other survivors. Despite these differences, the overarching journey will still lead Tommy into the thick of conflict, especially as he and Ellie confront the repercussions of Joel’s fate at the hands of Abby, forcing them to evaluate the cycle of violence.
Our Perspective on Tommy’s Evolution in Season 2
Attention to Detail Matters
Luna’s remarks signify that even subtle adjustments to Tommy’s portrayal are approached with thoughtful consideration by the production team. Although the character’s adaptation diverged from his video game arc, creators are mindful of how foundational elements from Season 1 inform character motivations later on. This meticulous crafting leaves viewers pondering how forthcoming adjustments might influence the unfolding narrative in The Last of Us Season 2.
Source: Esquire