In what feels like déjà vu for The Last of Us fandom, the community finds itself bitterly divided once more. Following a recent storyline update that shows Joel getting “Abby-smashed” — a brutal callback to one of the most controversial moments in gaming history — fans have erupted into heated debates, memes, and emotional posts across social media.

The phrase “Here We Go Again” has been trending, echoing the collective groan of a fanbase that has never fully healed from The Last of Us Part II’s seismic backlash. Some players are praising the new content for its emotional depth and bold storytelling, while others are accusing the creators of reopening old wounds purely for shock value.

A Familiar Rift Reopens

Back in 2020, The Last of Us Part II stunned players by killing off Joel, the beloved protagonist from the original game, in a shocking and brutally violent scene at the hands of Abby. The moment polarized fans worldwide: while some applauded the risk-taking narrative, others felt betrayed by the way a beloved character was treated.

Fast forward to today, and history seems to be repeating itself. In a newly released story update — whether it’s a DLC teaser, a flashback, or something larger is still unclear — Joel once again faces a devastating confrontation that mirrors his earlier demise. In what fans are calling “Abby 2.0,” Joel is overpowered and beaten down in a way that feels almost too familiar for comfort.

Fans Sound Off: “We Deserve Better”

Social media platforms, especially Facebook, have been flooded with passionate reactions.

One viral comment reads, “We stuck with Joel through thick and thin. To bring him back only to humiliate him again is beyond disrespectful.”
Another fan posted, “I understand that life is brutal in the TLOU universe, but this just feels like cheap shock bait. Naughty Dog should know better.”

However, not everyone is mourning.
A vocal segment of players defends the creative direction, arguing that The Last of Us has always been about difficult, morally complex choices — and that Joel’s character arc deserves to explore those themes, however painful.
One supporter wrote, “Joel’s actions in the first game weren’t heroic; they were selfish. Stories like these remind us that every choice has consequences. It’s what makes The Last of Us so powerful.”

Why This Storytelling Approach Sparks So Much Rage

At the heart of the anger is emotional investment. Joel isn’t just a fictional character to many; he’s a symbol of loyalty, resilience, and imperfect humanity. Watching him endure more suffering — especially after the brutal end he met in Part II — feels like rubbing salt into an open wound for long-time fans.

Critics argue that retreading this narrative ground risks alienating an already-fractured audience. With The Last of Us TV series achieving critical acclaim and introducing Joel and Ellie’s story to an even broader audience, fans had hoped for fresh material or, at the very least, a new perspective that honored the legacy of these characters.

Instead, some are accusing the franchise of “shock repetition” — using violence against beloved characters not to advance the story but to provoke emotional reactions and headlines.

Naughty Dog Remains Silent… For Now

As the controversy intensifies, Naughty Dog, the studio behind The Last of Us, has remained tight-lipped. No official statements have been released addressing the latest uproar.

Some fans speculate that the storyline leak (or reveal) may not represent the final version and that the developers could still tweak the narrative in response to feedback. Others fear that the damage has already been done, cementing Joel’s fate as a permanent sore spot within the franchise’s legacy.

What’s Next for The Last of Us?

Despite the backlash, excitement remains high for the future of The Last of Us.
Season 2 of the HBO series is currently in production, and rumors about a possible The Last of Us Part III game continue to swirl. Whether the franchise can heal the fractures within its fanbase — or if it will continue to lean into its reputation for heartbreaking storytelling — remains to be seen.

For now, one thing is certain: The Last of Us still knows how to get people talking. Love it or hate it, the story of Joel, Ellie, and the unforgiving world they inhabit continues to captivate millions — even if it means breaking a few hearts along the way.

As one fan put it perfectly in a Facebook comment now going viral:

“It hurts because we care. That’s the curse of loving The Last of Us.”