The Last of Us Season 2 Finale: Did Jesse Really Die and will he Return in Season 3?

The Last of Us season 2 finale shook viewers with the death of one major character in the show. Game viewers already knew that the sudden death of one of Ellie’s friends was coming, but with the show making multiple changes to the plot, even they weren’t sure if it was going to happen. The finale confirmed what many believed- the show wasn’t going to alter the main plot points. So, what happened? Is Jesse dead in The Last of Us 2?

Is Jesse Really dead in The Last of Us Season 2?

Yes, Young Mazino’s Jesse is really dead in The Last of Us season 2. He also dies in the game in the same way. His death is sudden, as he gets shot by Abby when he and Ellie rush out of the theater room they are in. Talking about his death scene, Young Mazino revealed how it was shot. 

The actor said to Esquire, “I wanted to be there as the body so that Bella could connect to that instead of a stunt double or a dummy. Man, what a powerful scene. I had this huge clay prosthetic covering my whole face—just a blob of goo and clay—but I relish in seeing good acting and they were tremendous.”

In another interview with EW he said that Jesse’s death is another string that gets cut. He said, “That scene is so important. That's another heartstring that gets severed by Abby, and Ellie registers that.”

Will Jesse Return in The Last of Us Season 3?

Likely not, as in The Last of Us Part 2 game, we don’t get any flashbacks of Jesse. In fact, he isn’t even mourned properly. Although that might get changed in the show. Since season 3 will be from Abby’s POV so we might get to see Jesse's death from her view. But it does feel like the show might have shot it from her POV already. 

Regardless, Young Mazino revealed to Esquire that he will come back if needed. He said, “I'm down, though I think I'm contractually obligated to. I trust in Craig and Neil. So, however they feel, if that's something they want to explore, I'm down nonetheless.”

Why was Jesse Killed in The Last of Us?

Jesse’s sudden and unceremonious death is meant to hammer home the fact that the price of the revenge quest that Ellie is on is too high. Not only does Ellie lose a friend who looked out for her, but Dina also loses her baby’s father. 

All the episodes of The Last of Us season two are now streaming on HBO and Max. If you want to refresh your memory, we have a recap of Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, and Episode 7 (the finale). 

Also Read: The Last of Us Season 2: How the Take on Me Song Foreshadows the Demise of Ellie and Dina's Relationship