Who Is Eugene in The Last of Us Season 2

Nivedita Dubey
April 15, 2025

Summary:

Eugene is portrayed by Joe Pantoliano and appears posthumously in Season 2 of The Last of Us.
Unlike the game, the series reveals that Eugene was killed by Joel, adding a new layer to both characters.
The show expands Eugene’s backstory through flashbacks, exploring his Firefly past and role in Jackson.

Who Is Eugene in The Last of Us Season 2?

THE LAST OF US SEASON 2 EPISODE 1_ Eugene

Eugene is portrayed by Joe Pantoliano in The Last of Us Season 2 and is introduced as a recently deceased resident of Jackson. Although dead when the season begins, his impact on the story is immediate and significant. Eugene is revealed to have been the husband of Gail, Joel’s therapist in the Jackson settlement, and was killed by Joel approximately one year before the events of Season 2.

The details surrounding his death remain vague, but Gail’s tone during therapy sessions suggests that Joel’s actions may have been justified. She mentions that it is her first birthday without Eugene in 41 years, signaling a long-term relationship and the emotional weight of his absence. His presence lingers over early episodes, establishing him as a central figure in Jackson’s recent history.

How Is Eugene’s Role in the Show Different From the Game?

In The Last of Us Part II, Eugene is a minor character who never appears on-screen. He is mentioned through dialogue and environmental clues. Players learn that he was a former Firefly who helped Tommy establish Jackson’s infrastructure. Eugene died before the events of the game, and his body is found by Ellie and Dina in a hidden shelter, surrounded by cannabis plants and survival gear.

There is no indication in the game that Joel had any involvement in Eugene’s death. In contrast, the show makes this plot point explicit. Joel’s involvement not only alters Eugene’s narrative arc but also recasts Joel’s moral ambiguity, a central theme in both the game and the series.

The series also renames Eugene’s wife from Claire (in the game) to Gail, portrayed by Catherine O’Hara. This change shifts the emotional focus, allowing the audience to explore Eugene’s life and death through therapy scenes with Joel, which adds psychological depth to both characters.

Who Plays Eugene and Why Was This Casting Notable?

Joe Pantoliano was officially cast as Eugene on March 5, 2025, as announced by HBO. Known for his roles in The Matrix, Memento, and The Sopranos, Pantoliano brings a distinct presence to the character. At 73 years old, he fits the profile of a grizzled survivor with a complex past, aligning with Eugene’s Firefly background and long-term residency in Jackson.

The casting choice was described as “wildly against type,” as Pantoliano is often known for tougher or antagonistic roles. However, this may align with the show’s plan to depict Eugene during flashbacks, possibly showing him in his prime or during his time as a Firefly. This approach mirrors the showrunners’ strategy in Season 1 with Bill and Frank, where previously unseen characters were brought to life through expanded narratives.

What Do We Know About Eugene’s Past in the Game?

In the game, Eugene is referenced through letters, notes, and conversations. Key details include:

He was a former Firefly, known for walking out on his family to join the revolutionary group.
He settled in Jackson and helped Tommy build its power grid, using his technical expertise to keep the community functional.
Eugene had a wife named Claire and an unnamed daughter, neither of whom appear in the show.
Ellie and Dina discover his cannabis stash and deceased body in an underground hideout in Seattle, suggesting he may have died of natural causes or from infected. No cause is explicitly confirmed.

Despite his limited presence, Eugene contributes to the game’s world-building, representing the many unseen people who shaped the communities Ellie explores.

What Changes Does the Show Make to Eugene’s Storyline?

The show takes significant creative liberties with Eugene’s story. Below is a side-by-side comparison of his portrayal in the game versus the show:

Aspect	Game (Part II)	Show (Season 2)
Status	Deceased before the story, found by Ellie and Dina	Deceased, killed by Joel a year before Season 2
Role	Background character, revealed through notes and exploration	Expanded role, connected to Joel and Gail
Wife’s Name	Claire	Gail (played by Catherine O’Hara)
Cause of Death	Unknown, implied natural or infected-related	Killed by Joel, reason not fully explained
Connection to Joel	None	Direct, through his death and Gail’s therapy sessions
Flashbacks	None	Planned to show Eugene’s past as a Firefly and Jackson leader