The Last of Us Season 2: Does Jesse die in the game and will the show Change his fate?

Young Mazino's Jesse made a heroic return in The Last of Us season two, episode five—arriving just in time to save Ellie and Dina from a brutal ambush. While fans celebrated the return of one of the game’s most grounded and likable characters, the reunion has reignited a looming question: does Jesse die in the game, and will the show follow suit?

Does Jesse die in The Last of Us Part 2?

Yes, Jesse dies in the original game. In The Last of Us Part II, Jesse is a key member of the group that follows Ellie on her revenge mission in Seattle. After Ellie tortures Nora for information, Jesse and Tommy try to convince her to return to Jackson. However, before they can make their escape, Abby surprises them at the theater and shoots Jesse in the head—he dies instantly.

The moment is shocking, sudden, and has massive emotional consequences for the rest of the story. Jesse’s death shapes the emotional stakes going forward, not only for Ellie and Dina, but also for Jackson as a community. He’s one of the few characters who maintains a sense of logic and level-headedness in a world ruled by vengeance.

Will Jesse die in The Last of Us Season 2?

That remains to be seen—but there’s reason to believe the show might deviate.

While The Last of Us series has made changes to characters and sequences, it has stayed loyal to the game’s core narrative. Joel’s death came early and as brutally as fans expected. Given that, Jesse’s death could also follow the game’s timeline—possibly in season two’s final episodes or early in season three. But there is the other tantalizing option- keeping him alive.

Still, keeping Jesse alive would create a more complex dynamic. As a user on The Last of Us subreddit pointed out, Jesse has been hinted at as a future leader of Jackson. In episode two, Ellie tells him, “Everyone knows you’ll be running Jackson someday,” which underscores his importance beyond just being Dina’s ex or JJ’s father.

If Jesse survives, the story could pivot in unexpected ways. He could become a stabilizing force in Jackson, especially if Tommy is absent or emotionally compromised. His presence would also heighten the emotional conflict between Ellie and Dina. A live Jesse may cause friction—he’s the father of Dina’s child after all—and that could fundamentally shift the love triangle dynamic.

What Jesse’s Survival Could mean for the Story

While his death in the game was abrupt, Jesse's extended presence in the show could enrich the emotional fabric of season two and beyond. His survival could:

• Complicate Ellie and Dina’s relationship by reintroducing Jesse into the family structure with baby JJ.
• Give Jackson a strong leader figure to contrast Tommy’s instability.
• Offer viewers more time to emotionally invest in a character the game didn’t fully explore.

If the series does take this path, it would mark a rare but meaningful shift from the source material—possibly the most impactful one since the show began. Still, if the show stays on track with the game’s major events, Jesse’s time may already be ticking.

Where can you Stream The Last of Us Season 2?

The Last of Us season two is now streaming on HBO and Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays. The sixth episode will premiere on May 18, 2025. If you want to refresh your memory, we have recaps of Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, & Episode 5.

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