Exploring the Emotional Depths of The Last of Us Season 2 with Jesse’s Original Actor Stephen A. Chang

As fans of The Last of Us continue to engage with the intense narrative unfolding in HBO’s adaptation, one question lingers: How do the original voices feel about their characters being reimagined for the screen? Recently, Dexerto sat down with Stephen A. Chang, the actor behind Jesse in the acclaimed video game The Last of Us Part 2, to discuss his thoughts on the show, the shocking Season 2 finale, and why he hasn’t tuned into the HBO series regularly.

The Journey So Far

It’s been nearly five years since the groundbreaking release of The Last of Us Part 2, developed by Naughty Dog. While millions dove into the emotional turmoil of the game, many unfortunate players faced early spoilers regarding its pivotal moments. Despite this, the game sparked countless conversations about its narrative twists and character developments. With its gripping storytelling, it remains one of the most debated video games of all time.

Chang, when reflecting on his work in the game amid HBO’s adaptation, acknowledged the emotional weight of the story. “For my money, it’s among the most moving experiences our medium has ever seen,” Chang said. However, he humorously added that he’s not in a rush to play through the despair-filled experience again.

The Last of Us Season 2’s Last Big Shock

Fans of the show were unprepared for the shocking turn of events in the latest episodes. As Episode 7 aired on May 25, 2025, viewers experienced alongside the characters, enduring the same emotional rollercoaster Chang had felt while shooting his scenes five years earlier.

In one of the most heart-wrenching moments, Jesse, played by Young Mazino, is unexpectedly shot, throwing viewers into a deeper layer of despair. “Just when you think there can’t possibly be any further twists to round out Season 2,” Chang noted, “Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann take Ellie’s journey one layer deeper into the depths of hell.” For Chang, reading the script was a “gut check,” one that made it clear his character had met an unceremonious end — a shocking reality for both the actor and fans who had grown attached to Jesse.

Chang revealed his genuine surprise during a table read: “I was like, ‘What the f**k? My name doesn’t appear anymore in the script?’” It was a stark realization that his character, beloved by fans, would meet a tragic fate without any time for grieving.

Why Jesse’s Original Actor Doesn’t Watch The Last of Us on HBO

Interestingly, Chang does not tune into The Last of Us on HBO, partly because of an intentional choice on his part. He revealed that while other cast members like Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson are reprising roles in new capacities, he never received a call to return. “I have a very big ego. When I’m seeing other actors, I’m like, ‘I could be doing that. Why am I not in that?’” Chang shared humorously.

Despite his absence from the cast, Chang expresses strong admiration for the series, especially for the show’s creators. “I love Neil Druckmann and support The Last of Us and Naughty Dog,” he affirmed. “But for me, watching it is like, it’s not good for my soul, I guess.” His candidness about the psychological burden of watching another interpretation of his character speaks volumes about the intricacies of acting and emotional investment in roles.

Praise for Young Mazino’s Portrayal

Despite not keeping up with the series, Chang had a chance to observe Young Mazino’s debut as Jesse at the LA premiere of Season 2. He pointed out that Mazino brings a fresh perspective to the character, one that is distinct from his portrayal. “He doesn’t need my help whatsoever,” Chang stressed, appreciating Mazino’s dedication to crafting his unique version of Jesse.

Describing Mazino’s performance, Chang expressed his enthusiasm: “I feel like he has a natural charisma. He has a leadership quality.” It’s evident that the actor holds respect for his successor, acknowledging their chemistry working alongside lead actress Bella Ramsey.

Chang’s humorous encounter with Mazino only adds to the camaraderie; he recalls, “I pushed through to get to him and talk to him. He probably thought I was some crazy stalker.” This light-hearted moment highlights the community built around the franchise and the respect actors have for one another.

Conclusion

As The Last of Us continues to captivate audiences with its heart-wrenching storytelling, the insights from Stephen A. Chang provide a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape faced by both the fans and performers involved. While he may not watch the adaptation, his support for Naughty Dog and the cast reflects a rich history connected to Jesse. The series may bring about its fair share of sorrow, but it ultimately resonates with themes of loss, love, and resilience—elements Chang clearly holds dear.

Whether through gameplay or adaptation, the impact of The Last of Us remains deeply felt—a testament to storytelling in any medium.