Neil responds to "Joel's moral argument to save Ellie": I will make the same choice
As the second season of the live-action drama "The Last of Us" approaches, the main creative team once again discussed the core controversy of "Joel saving Ellie" in the interview. Screenwriters Craig Maising, Neil Druckman and the starring members shared their own insights.
Producer Neil clearly supports Joel's decision, believing that his behavior originated from his father's instinctive desire to protect: "We have different views on this, and I think Joel is doing it right. If I were Joel, I hope I can do everything I can to save my daughter like him." He emphasized that this choice cannot be simply judged by right or wrong.
Craig Messin analyzed from an ethical perspective: "I understand Joel's choice, but if I were me, I might regret my decision. The reason why "The Last of Us" has triggered heated discussions among audiences around the world is precisely because this plot touches on the profound human nature and ethical proposition: When hope for the future needs to be at the expense of the person you care most, how would you choose? This is similar to the philosophical torture of "Abraham sacrificed Isaac" in the Bible."
Actors Mazno (played by Jesse) and Bella (played by Ellie) start from the role emotions and point out that Joel regards Ellie as the full meaning of life, while Ellie is deeply trapped in the contradiction between saving individuals and saving the world. The complexity of this plot is the key to the drama’s widespread resonance.
