First things first, the good news. The long wait is over. The second season of “The Last of Us,” based on the popular post-apocalyptic game, has officially been confirmed. PVP Live is talking about the official release date. Media outlets reported the series is coming to you this spring of 2025. What a way to look forward to the New Year!
Returning to the story is Joel Miller, the guy tasked with guiding and protecting Ellie through the pandemic-stricken world of “The Last of Us.” However, he isn’t just your ordinary support character. He has secrets and interesting stories from his past that you’ll get to know in this discussion.
Sarah’s Loss Transformed Miller Into A Violent Person
Sarah is Joel’s teenage daughter in the story. However, she eventually died untimely, which turned the father into a completely savage, different person. From a loving dad, he turned into a monstrous and cruel hunter who made no hesitations about taking innocent people’s lives only to survive.
You can see this in one scene featuring Joel and Ellie, wherein they stumble upon a wounded guy begging for help. Recognizing the same tactic he used to use as a hunter, Joel tells Ellie that the man is actually a hunter and wasn’t wounded, stepping on the gas pedal. Then, to grieve for the loss of his daughter, Joel also became a bit suicidal. Yikes.
However, While Still Alive, Sarah Gave Him A Heartfelt Present
There’s this superstition within families that giving a watch as a gift will ruin the time the other person has for you. However, Sarah did not see it that way when she gave his father a watch on his birthday. Goosebumps, it’s the other way around. Avid “The Last of Us” fans know that just a few hours after the gift-giving, Sarah’s life did not turn out well. His daughter was murdered on the highway when they flew there after the heartfelt moment between the two of them.
He Once Worked As A Carpenter With His Younger Brother, Tommy
Joel, obviously, isn’t your typical billionaire or rich guy. He had to make ends meet, so he worked as a carpenter with his brother, Tommy. It was confirmed in the first “The Last of Us” scene when Joel spoke with his brother, saying he wanted to keep his job even if he wasn’t totally happy about it anymore. As a carpenter, he helped build several statues and guitars, one of which was given to Ellie.
He Single-Handedly Raised Sarah
If there is a heroic father, that would be Miller. Sarah’s mother left them early on, so he single-handedly raised Sarah. Despite this absence of a mother figure, the two had a perfect family setup until the virus struck their hometown. The dad would bring Sarah to trek and watch her soccer games as a real proud father. If only Sarah did not die, right?
Sarah’s Mother From Joel’s Perspective
So, who was Sarah’s mom, then? It is interesting to look at this as part of the journey to Joel’s past. In the game original, this detail was never unveiled, not even her name, except for clues of her “photographs” near Sarah’s bed and when he told Ellie they were “married for a while.” Interestingly enough, Joel could share some tidbits about his wife with the viewers and gamers, but the story of “The Last of Us” chose not to.
Some fans believe Tess was the mother, basing it on their close relationship, but the show’s insiders said this does not make sense.
He Dreamt Of Becoming A Singer
Here’s another interesting fact about Joel’s past: he wanted to be a singer. He is a big fan of music, and his preferred genres are – check these out, as these might be your faves, too – hard rock and country. He also had a vast collection of music CDs and vinyl pieces.
In the second part of the game, Joel showcased his passion for music when he handed Ellie six strings, teaching her how to play them as he had promised beforehand. Fans say this was the most memorable moment in the entire game, as he even sang a cover of Pearl Jam’s “Future Days.” How sweet.
He Was A Teenage Father
Don’t judge Miller, but he had Sarah as a teenager. However, she did not have any deformities or abnormalities whatsoever. In fact, she was wise and more intelligent than others, an award-winning student in school, consistently placing in the Honor Roll. She was also exceptionally well-rounded as she also loved the outdoors, playing sports like soccer, and engaging in skateboarding and hiking. She also connected well with Ellie. So, whatever your doubts about him being a father at such a young age, erase them right now.
He Never Really Had So Many ‘Fun’ Moments In Life
Okay, so he had to care for Ellie throughout the viral pandemic. Still, before that, he had to fulfill his duties as a single teenage dad (that doesn’t mean it’s not fun, though), but even before that, he had to raise his brother Tommy as their parents were also hugely absent as they were growing up. Though, look at the bright side. This uncommon relationship had them becoming closer since day one. Truly partners in crime.
He Is A Texas Native
Even if you don’t hear it from him or not revealed to you, you can look at context clues and conclude that he is a proud Texas native. He was born in the early 1980s, and if you have doubts about this, refer to the official X of Naughty Dog to see them greeting Miller on his birthday in 2013.
If you still don’t believe it, he also frequently references Texas as his home in the game’s story, such as when he poured out his best Texan accent upon handing Ellie a guitar, saying, “Well, I do hear that some people call this a gee-tar.”
If you loved “The Penguin,” “Dune: Prophecy,” and “House of the Dragon,” you will love the second season of “The Last of Us.” But keep playing the video game, too.
