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Gabriel Luna on Tommy’s goodbye to Joel in ‘The Last of Us’ and its double meaning

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This article contains spoilers for Episode 3 of Season 2 of “The Last of Us.”

“Give Sarah my love.”

In a weary and sorrowful tone, Tommy, portrayed by Gabriel Luna, manages to utter just a few words to Joel, whose motionless form is covered on a table in the makeshift morgue in Jackson: “This is it, isn’t it?

As tears fill Tommy’s eyes and he gently wipes Joel with a damp cloth, we focus in on Joel’s arm and the antique military watch on his wrist. This worn timepiece serves as a poignant reminder of “The Last of Us,” taking us back to when we first encounter Joel, Tommy, and Sarah. It was Sarah who meticulously fixed the watch as a birthday present for her father, and her untimely death remains a significant source of Joel’s sorrow. In this moment, that sorrow is passed on to Tommy as he bids farewell to his brother.

In the opening scene of Episode 3 from Season 2 of “The Last of Us” on HBO, Luna draws upon the deep sadness he’s felt since losing dear relatives, such as his grandpa who passed away in 2013.

Television

The second episode of “The Last of Us” Season 2 unfolds, delving into the stories of Ellie, Joel, Abby, Dina, and others. Be aware, there are spoilers involved.

In the church where my grandfather’s coffin lay, I recalled being the sole individual present. As I approached his lifeless body, this memory played on repeat in my mind during the filming of the scene… A young woman then handed me a cloth to clean Joel’s body and departed. Alone once more, he confided, “This was what I thought of – my grandfather and being the only one there.” As I moved towards Joel’s remains, it was this memory that echoed in my thoughts.

“I’ve been to a lot of funerals in my life so it felt very familiar,” he adds.

If Episode 2 showcased fire and raw fury, with Tommy engulfing a relentless creature called a bloater and Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) brutalizing and murdering Joel, then Episode 3 takes a different approach. It’s contemplative and self-reflective, similar to Luna in this significant phase of his career on one of the most prominent TV series.

Following roles in independent films and stage performances, Luna landed the lead part on El Rey’s series “Matador.” Despite “Matador” being a one-season show, the actor subsequently became a part of ABC’s critically acclaimed Marvel series “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”, portraying Robbie Reyes, also known as Ghost Rider. In 2019, he appeared in “Terminator: Dark Fate” as Rev-9, engaging in a battle with the iconic cyborg assassin played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. This role led to another collaboration with Schwarzenegger on Netflix’s “FUBAR,” followed by “The Last of Us.” Upcoming projects for him include roles in Peacock’s “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy” and Season 2 of Amazon’s “The Terminal List.

Luna and I have a chat at Bludso’s BBQ on La Brea Avenue, a place he adores because it brings back memories of home for him, having grown up in Austin, Texas where barbecued meats are almost a staple food. The discussion takes place two days after Episode 2 was broadcasted, and Luna is aware of the impact it has made on viewers. Dressed smartly in dark Japanese denim and black leather boots that harmonize with the Texan-style interior, he talks fervently about his role and the series as we chat before tucking into a plate of brisket, cornbread, and various sides.

In this condensed and streamlined dialogue exchange, Luna talks about the emotional fallout following Joel’s demise, the development of their heartfelt farewell moment, and his personal significance in choosing non-stereotypical roles as a Latino actor.

There’s been plenty of response to Episode 2, which features Tommy taking charge while Joel meets his end. Are you keeping up with it?

The past couple of days have been quite a whirlwind! I happened to be at WrestleMania when the episode aired, so I had to depart a bit earlier to catch my flight. Upon landing, my phone was buzzing non-stop, like a lit-up Christmas tree, with people calling to say, “That was fantastic! Congratulations.” Reading the script, I could sense the potential for it to be something extraordinary. The actual filming, which took almost two months under Mark Mylod’s direction (known for shows such as “Succession” and “Game of Thrones”), Craig Mazin, and Neil [Druckmann], the masterminds behind the project, truly exceeded expectations.

As time goes by, everything seems to fall into place. It appears that we’ve embarked on something truly historic, not just the epic battle scenes, but also that poignant moment with Joel at the end – a scene that could become iconic. All these elements combined promised a significant impact, and I had hoped that filming it a year ago would result in just that. Now, two days later, my predictions have come true. People reacted as we anticipated, and they continue to watch it. I’m confident that if I check my phone now, there will be another dozen messages waiting from friends.

[Later, Luna flashes his phone, which is filled with rows of notifications.]

This experience has left an indelible mark on me, and it continues to resonate in my thoughts. As Craig Mazin stated, “This is the one they’ll remember us by.” Indeed, his words ring true. If this moment becomes one of the defining aspects of my legacy — I can take nothing but pride in that.

In the second episode of Season 2 on HBO’s “The Last of Us,” Gabriel Luna expresses, “I couldn’t be prouder if this is one of the defining moments in my career.

Were Craig and Neil discussing with you changes in the narrative of your character that deviated from the storyline in the game, where Tommy was alongside Joel during his death scene?

Near the close of our first season, I mentioned to them, “It’s been bothering me since Tommy was rendered unconscious during Joel’s killing. Could it be possible for us to rearrange some details?” Craig replied, “I’ve got an interesting thought.

Just prior to the 2023 strike, Craig sends me an extensive message detailing the events that will unfold, including the substitution of Tommy with Dina at the crime scene of Joel’s murder and their current location in Jackson with Maria. The entire town is struggling to endure this onslaught, initially dealing with only two or three zombie-like creatures (referred to as bloaters). We filmed the scenes as if under attack by these creatures, but had to make significant edits due to the intense nature of the content. Reading his text gave me goosebumps and my heart raced just imagining it.

It appears that the modification was influenced by my suggestions, discussions with Craig and others. Previously, they might have been considering this change, but I’m really appreciative of their openness to new ideas.

Review

‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 review: Survival is not just about staying alive

In contrast to the first season which centered around the terrifying world decimated by Cordyceps fungus, the second season seems to delve deeper into the treacherous terrain of human emotions.

I feel that closeness shows. On the press tour, you guys seem to really get along.

It’s truly a wonderful gift when you can genuinely care for the individuals you collaborate with. There’s a deep affection present, even between those portrayed as adversaries or fierce rivals on screen.

Have you talked to Pedro or anyone else in the cast since?

Craig’s chat group is titled “Our Craziness,” where everyone interacts. The anticipation for the second installment is growing, and there’s much more to look forward to. We’re merely scratching the surface, but we wanted to kick things off with a bit of a jolt. So, we decided to surprise them at the onset.

In Episode 3, you were among the initial characters introduced. Can you share what thoughts were running through your head during filming?

Earlier in our conversation, we discussed my grandfather. His passing is something that has stayed with me. Peter Hoar was the director for this installment, and he also handled the “Long, Long Time” episode featuring Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett last season. When it came to dealing with his death, I simply took a deep breath and let it unfold naturally.

Pedro wasn’t physically present; instead, a stand-in was used. They inquired, “Shall we make him up entirely?” To which I responded, “Yes, please. Just to fully comprehend the extent of the injuries.” And so, they applied full makeup, his eyes appearing swollen and bloody. Upon removing the cover, I could observe and react genuinely.

Apart from what I’ve already mentioned, let me add another thought. The conversation we had there was quite extensive, but it’s good they edited it out. Essentially, the key message is, “Please convey my affection to Sarah.

Television

The main character of HBO’s post-apocalyptic drama series revealed that filming Season 2 was significantly tougher, yet it provided valuable insights into their personal self-discovery.

Was that in the script?

In the script, there was an additional scene about Ellie. She’s injured severely, but will recover. Also, there was a part where I vowed to look after her. Since I’m the only one she has left, this promise didn’t require explicit mention.

Moving on, Bella Ramsey and Kaitlyn will be taking center stage in the narrative. While my role becomes slightly more prominent, they are the ones propelling the story ahead. Additionally, as I spoke these lines, it signified not only my responsibility towards Ellie, but also our collective role in shaping the future of this show.

This installment highlights the distinction between Tommy and Joel. In your case, you’re a married man, with a child, serving as the town’s chief. The dilemma here is whether we should seek revenge for his death.

I’m captivated by how intensely torn Tommy appears to be as he prepares to make his decisions. His obligations towards his wife Maria, his son, and the city take precedence over his wish to aid his brother. This situation reveals a less restrained aspect of Tommy that isn’t portrayed in the game; here, he seems more impulsive.

In a touching moment with Catherine O’Hara (playing Gail), I delved into the complexity of inheriting her character Ellie. It involved comprehending her struggles, loving her, my brother, but at the same time, questioning when it ends. Could we opt for forgiveness now to prevent pain and heartache for many? Yet, there are times when that isn’t possible. The tale serves as a lesson on forgiveness, but it also illustrates the amount of suffering one endures until this lesson is learned.

Why do you believe the show resonates deeply with viewers? It shares some similarities with reality, such as the impact of a global crisis like a pandemic, and it mirrors the current division we see in our nation.

It seems to me that these offer excellent starting points for various individuals. The wide variety in the characters, both within the television series and the video game, provides multiple relatable entry points too.

In “The Last of Us,” every character shares a common ground because we’re all grappling with a menacing danger that hangs overhead, each of us dealing with it uniquely – through love and community, military power, faith, among others. The diversity in our responses is striking, yet there’s an underlying similarity too, as we’re all navigating this shared struggle together. Moreover, I believe that stories resonate deeply when they invite us to imagine ourselves in the characters’ shoes – to ponder how we would adapt to scarcity, break free from societal norms, and even defy the laws of nature.

Does being Latino influence your perspective on how your background has impacted the paths you’ve taken in your career?

My Mexican-American family’s pride, backing, and affection empowered me significantly. The culture greatly enhanced my journey. Conversely, the portrayal of myself and fellow Mexicans in media was often quite different. This presented a challenge as I found myself balancing my cultural heritage with industry expectations. However, the pride in my roots wouldn’t let me simply accept whatever roles were offered to me. For instance, I refused to play a drug trafficker or a gangster, and despite my love for our language, I didn’t want to be typecast as characters who only spoke Spanish due to their appearance.

In a simpler and more conversational manner: I aspired to become a hero for everyone, regardless of their race or ethnicity. I wanted them to see themselves reflected in me when they looked at me. I turned down many conventional offers from the industry, which ultimately proved beneficial because I was free to take on roles that broke the mold, such as Robbie Reyes/Ghost Rider, the “Terminator” film, and “The Last of Us.

You have done quite a bit of genre work. Is it something that interested you?

As someone who matured amidst the pop culture of the ’80s, I was deeply immersed in comic books, Ninja Turtles, the Batman of ’89, Jurassic Park, and a multitude of other influential works. These served as the foundation for today’s Marvel movies and video game adaptations.

Due to my physical capabilities, I’ve been fortunate enough to take on roles that are action-packed, which are a major part of these genre films. This aspect is what I genuinely enjoy. I feel blessed to be involved in projects with such dedicated and passionate fanbases. I’ve always believed that these stories are in good hands. I aimed to alleviate any worries by letting them know that I share their love for these narratives, whether it was before we started filming or afterward. To clarify, I adore “The Last of Us,” Ghost Rider, and the 40-year legacy of Terminator. Just like you, I don’t want to spoil these stories any more than you do. I truly hope that people can see that this storytelling is being cared for by someone who cherishes such narratives as much as they do.

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2025-04-28 05:32

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