Pedro Pascal’s Most Brutal Death Yet? Comparing Joel’s Tragedy To Oberyn’s Iconic End

Pedro Pascal's portrayals of Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones and Joel Miller in The Last of Us have left indelible marks on television history. Both characters met tragic ends, yet each death served distinct narrative purposes and elicited varied emotional responses from audiences.

Pascal's reflections on these roles, combined with behind-the-scenes insights, offer a deeper understanding of his craft and the impact of these pivotal moments.

Oberyn Martell: A Shocking Demise

In Game of Thrones, Oberyn Martell's death was both unexpected and gruesome. Engaged in a trial by combat against Gregor Clegane, Oberyn initially had the upper hand. However, his insistence on a confession led to a momentary lapse, resulting in his horrific death.

Pascal described this scene as a "very cathartic moment," highlighting the bittersweet nature of Oberyn achieving his goal at the cost of his life. Interestingly, Pascal found the filming process so relaxing that he actually fell asleep during the scene, stating, "I was dead asleep".​

Joel Miller: A Heartbreaking Departure

In contrast, Joel Miller's death in The Last of Us was anticipated by fans familiar with the video game but still delivered a profound emotional impact. Pascal admitted to being in "active denial" about Joel's death, emphasizing the deep connection he felt to the character and the cast.

The scene's brutality and its effect on Ellie added layers of sorrow and set the stage for the narrative's progression. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann explained that Joel’s death was intentionally placed early in the season to serve as the inciting incident for the story’s ongoing narrative.​

Comparative Analysis: Oberyn vs. Joel

While both deaths were pivotal, they served different narrative purposes.​

Narrative Impact: Oberyn's death served as a shocking twist, altering the power dynamics in Game of Thrones. In contrast, Joel's death in The Last of Us was a catalyst for Ellie's journey.​

Emotional Resonance: Oberyn's demise was sudden and brutal, leaving viewers stunned. Joel's death, though anticipated, was deeply emotional, especially given the father-daughter bond he shared with Ellie.​

Audience Reaction: Oberyn's death shocked viewers due to its suddenness and brutality. Joel's death, while expected by game fans, still evoked profound grief and sparked widespread discussion.​

Pascal humorously compared the two, stating, "I think this is the best one. No, it’s in competition, I think, with Game of Thrones. It has to be. I love the golf club".​

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Pascal's experiences filming these death scenes were markedly different. For Oberyn's death, he described the process as surprisingly relaxing, even falling asleep during the scene.

In contrast, filming Joel's death was emotionally taxing. Pascal expressed that he remains in "active denial" about the character's demise, highlighting the deep bond he formed with the cast and the character.

Audience Engagement: Fan Reactions

Both deaths elicited strong reactions from fans. Oberyn's death was met with shock and horror, becoming one of the most talked-about moments in Game of Thrones.

Joel's death sparked intense discussions online, with fans expressing grief and debating the narrative choices. The emotional weight of these scenes underscores Pascal's ability to bring depth and humanity to his characters.

Pedro Pascal's performances in both Game of Thrones and The Last of Us showcase his remarkable range and emotional depth as an actor. His portrayals of Oberyn and Joel not only captivated audiences but also highlighted his commitment to bringing authenticity to his roles. These characters' deaths, while tragic, have left lasting impressions, solidifying Pascal's legacy in television history.

Must Read: Joel's Death In 'The Last Of Us' Season 2: A Fan's Heartbreaking Journey