HBOThe Last of Us Season 2 is nearly here, and going by the title of Episode 1, it may not shy away from one of the game’s most shocking moments.
The first season of The Last of Us was one of the best video game adaptations of all time, near-flawlessly transforming one of gaming’s greatest stories into live-action. But the show’s biggest challenge is yet to come: adapting the sequel.
Anyone who’s played Part 2 will know what I’m talking about, but if you haven’t, be warned: the next chapter of Joel and Ellie’s story is even more emotional (and traumatic) than you’re prepared for. We know Season 2 won’t adapt the entire second game (Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have already confirmed it’ll span multiple seasons) – but we may know how it’ll begin.
We’re about to get into massive spoiler territory, so if you don’t want to find out what may (and almost definitely will) happen, stop reading.
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 title revealed
HBOThe Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 is titled ‘Future Days.’
Part 2 opens in 2034, with Joel and Ellie settling into life in Jackson after the events of the first game. He gives her a guitar – but first, he plays her a song: ‘Future Days’ by Pearl Jam. The lyrics are really important, as the song’s themes echo through the story:
“If I ever were to lose you, I’d surely lose myself. Everything I have found dear, I’ve not found by myself… I believe, and I believe ’cause I can see, our future days, days of you and me.”
It looks like we’ll get this scene in the new season’s opening episode. However, that isn’t the spoiler I’m talking about.
Near the beginning of the game, Joel is brutally murdered by Abby (who will be played by Kaitlyn Dever). Ellie is forced to watch as it happens, and she spends the rest of the story trying to track her down and get her revenge.
Now, ‘Future Days’ isn’t confirmation that Joel will die in the first episode… but there’s definitely a chance.
“He ain’t dying in the first episode surely omg,” one fan reacted. “First episode is titled ‘Future Days’ with a one-hour runtime I’m scared,” another wrote.
“It’s getting too serious now I’m actually getting nauseous I don’t want this season anymore HBO take it back,” a third posted. “Oh so #that is definitely happening in Episode 2. Okay got it. Thanks,” a fourth speculated.
The Last of Us Season 2 premieres on April 13, 2025. Before it airs, check out our breakdown of the show’s soundtrack, find out if Ellie forgives Joel, and catch yourself up with what happened at the end of The Last of Us Season 1.
You can also keep tabs on the year’s releases with our 2025 TV show calendar.
