The “was Joel right?” debate has been ongoing since the first game was released in 2013. Creator Neil Druckmann and writer Craig Mazin shared their opinions on whether Joel made the right decision when he saved Ellie’s life, even if it meant potentially sacrificing a cure for the cordyceps infection.
Druckmann admits that if he were in Joel’s position, he would also make the same decision to save his daughter. However, Mazin acknowledges that this is a morally complicated situation, leaving room for interpretation. The pair’s differing views highlight the complexity of the issue, making it difficult for audiences to pinpoint a clear answer.
Most of the cast members are more non-committal on the subject, with Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced stating that the question is “complicated.” Gabriel Luna, who plays Joel’s brother Tommy, also expresses his bias towards Joel, citing their close bond and limited perspective. Kaitlin Dever simply says “it’s complicated.”
Young Mazino provides a more nuanced view, suggesting that Joel may have been in autopilot mode when he slaughtered the people in the hospital. This statement sparks an interesting discussion about the moral implications of making life-or-death decisions under extreme circumstances.
The creators and cast members agree that there is no simple answer to this question, echoing the classic philosophical debate between Abraham and Isaac. The story of Joel and Ellie raises profound questions about sacrifice, morality, and the human condition, leaving audiences to grapple with the complexities of their own moral compass.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/the-last-of-us-hbo-creators-answer-whether-or-not-joel-was-right-to-save-ellie