Pedro Pascal's 'The Last of Us’ Iconic Role of Joel Was Almost Played by This Marvel Star

Pedro Pascal is one of the most famous faces on television nowadays as he plays the role of Joel Miller in HBO's adaptation of the video game "The Last of Us." But did you know that a future Marvel star was almost cast to play the iconic character?

"The Last of Us" is now on its seventh episode, with fans of the game and general TV viewers continuing to fall in love with the characters and the show itself. However, despite many celebrating Pascal snatching up the role of Joel for the hit series, UPROXX reported that he was not the only choice to play the said character.

In a recent interview with The Direct, Jeffrey Pierce, who voiced Joel's brother Tommy Miller in the PlayStation game, said that HBO was initially eyeing future Marvel actor Mahershala Ali instead of Pascal.

Pierce told the outlet: "So... I think initially they had talked to Mahershala Ali about playing Joel, which is an obvious cue that I'm not gonna play Tommy... And when they cast Pedro [Pascal], I knew like, yeah, that was certainly not going to happen regardless, I'm older than Pedro Pascal. So I was not under harboring any illusions about that, for sure."

In the currently running HBO Max series, Pierce appeared as Perry, the right-hand man of Kathleen, played by Melanie Lynskey. The actor also revealed that "The Last of Us" was almost adapted into a movie before HBO got involved. He added that there was also a talk about an animated series.

Before appearing in "The Last of Us" series, many knew Pedro Pascal for his role as Oberyn Martell in the "Game of Thrones" and as Javier Peña in the Netflix crime series "Narcos." The Chilean-American actor is also known for his role as Din Djari in 'The Mandalorian."

Before Pedro Pascal, Marvel Star Considered for 'The Last of Us' Role

According to Jeffrey Pierce, Mahershala Ali was first approached about playing Joel, and it was "an obvious cue" for him that he would not be playing Tommy. The Marvel actor for "Blade" has previously collaborated with HBO, being cast on the popular show "True Detective Season 3," CBR reported.

Aside from the "Blade" movie, which will reportedly start filming this spring, Ali will also portray boxing legend Jack Johnson in an upcoming limited drama, "Unruly."

"The Last of Us" was reportedly given an early Season 2 renewal. The game and series co-creator, Neil Druckmann, said he was grateful for the reaction and support that the show has been getting, adding that he was "humbled" and "honored."

"The Last of Us" Season 2 is seen to adapt the storyline from the part of the game with the same name. It will reportedly feature the introduction of new characters and a grown-up Ellie.

Marvel Star Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali has reportedly been pushing the Marvel Studios' "Blade" project from the start. According to Screen Rant, the Marvel actor playing Blade even met with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to get the project up and running.

Marvel's "Blade" was officially announced in 2019's San Diego Comic-Con. The movie has undergone numerous delays due to behind-the-scene issues involving the show's original director, Bassam Tariq, leaving the project.

"Blade" was targeting a May 1 start filming date, with its Marvel Cinematic Universe's time period setting rumored to be in the 1920s.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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