The list of bold changes made throughout the story ofThe Last of Us Part 2is long, with some being controversial. Set five years after the first game,The Last of Us Part 2follows a now 19-year-old Ellie as she comes to terms with her survival. Seeing a more mature and hardened version of her was a compelling change of pace that put her darker side on full display.
As the story continues,Ellie’s new girlfriend Dinaends up pregnant from a past relationship with their friend Jesse, setting into motion one of the story’s conflicts. After Jesse’s in Seattle, Ellie and Dina eventually return and try to settle down in order to raise the baby, named JJ. The end ofThe Last of Us Part 2leaves the story open-ended, making a third entry full of possibilities. It’s unclear if Ellie and Dina’s relationship is still standing, but if it is,The Last of Us Part 3could take note ofPart 2’s time jump in order to further explore Ellie’s role in JJ’s life.
The Last of Us Part 3 Bringing Ellie’s Character Full Circle
Taking On the Role of Joel
When audiences first met Ellie, she was a foul-mouthed 14-year-old trying to cope with living in such a tumultuous world. WithThe Last of Us Part 2, players got to see her grow and begin to become an adult, so taking this even further seems like it could be the most natural step forward for the story. However, a third chapter could make the time jump 14 years instead of another five. If Ellie and Dina are able to reconcile, she would surely be in JJ’s life, and showcasingan even more experienced Elliecaring for a teenager could be a fascinating dynamic.
This time around, Ellie could take the place of Joel’s role in someone’s life as a mentor or parental figure. Although they may not need to share the same fate,Ellie becoming a mirror image of Joelwhile also learning from his mistakes and applying this to raising JJ may be the best way to close out her story. Despite Naughty Dog’s universe being filled with story potential, Ellie’s time in the spotlight may need to come to a close in the next chapter, and JJ could offer the key to a peaceful ending.
Director Neil Druckmann has confirmed that the second “J” in JJ doesn’t mean “Junior”, leading some to theorize that JJ is a tribute to both Jesse and Joel.
Not knowingwhat directionThe Last of Us 3will takehas left the door wide open for speculation, but revisiting Dina and JJ in some capacity feels like a given. At the end ofPart 2, it’s unclear if Ellie is returning to Jackson or is going off on her own, but if it’s the former, then it’s highly likely that Dina and JJ are there as well.
The Last of Us Part 3 Needs to Bring Ellie Peace
Joel was fully prepared to be a fixture inEllie’s life in Jackson, even if he was riddled with guilt for what he did to keep her alive. Their relationship was strained by this, which makes his sudden death that much more painful for players. However, Ellie getting to play this role in JJ’s life could prove to be a huge source of healing for her, especially if she gets to live in peace in Jackson with her newfound family.
Druckmann has confirmed that he has at least written an outline forThe Last of Us Part 3.
Despite its secrecy,The Last of Us Part 3is highly anticipated, as many are curious about Ellie’s fate. Only time will tell if she gets a happier ending in the long run, and looking to JJ may be the best starting point.
The Last of Us Part 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Play the winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards, remastered for the PlayStation®5 console. Relive or play for the first time Ellie and Abby’s story, now with graphical enhancements, new gameplay modes like the roguelike survival experience No Return, full DualSense® wireless controller integration, and more. Five years after their dangerous journey across the post-pandemic United States, Ellie and Joel have settled down in Jackson, Wyoming. Living amongst a thriving community of survivors has allowed them peace and stability, despite the constant threat of the infected and other, more desperate survivors. When a violent event disrupts that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey to carry out justice and find closur
