HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 premiere reveals a significant departure from the game’s storyline regarding Eugene, Gail’s husband. While the game portrays Eugene dying of natural causes, the show suggests Joel killed him—introducing a narrative twist that may impact the overall plot. This revelation comes amid a time jump, with Joel and Ellie adjusting to their new life in Wyoming.
Here’s all you need to know.
Who Is Eugene and who plays him in The Last of Us Season 2?
Eugene is portrayed by Joey Pantoliano in The Last of Us Season 2. He appears in a flashback scene where viewers witness what happened between him and Joel (Pedro Pascal).
Was Eugene in The Last of Us Season 1?
Eugene did not appear in Season 1. The character was originally introduced in The Last of Us Part II video game. In the game, Eugene is a former Firefly who worked with Tommy. He is married to a woman named Claire and dies of a stroke.
Why did Joel kill Gail’s husband, Eugene in The Last of Us?
In Season 2, Episode 1, Gail (Catherine O’Hara) expresses resentment toward Joel, stating, “You shot and killed my husband. You killed Eugene. And I resent you for it.” She does not reveal why Joel killed him.
According to Gail, it is her first birthday without Eugene in 41 years, suggesting his death occurred recently. From Season 1, viewers know Joel acts decisively when protecting Ellie, including killing an entire Firefly unit in the finale.
Eugene was a member of Jackson’s Firefly unit, and his death may be connected to this storyline. Other Firefly members, including Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), are closing in on Joel, seeking revenge for the deaths of Marlene and others. Joel may have killed Eugene in connection with that ongoing conflict.
