Fans of The Last of Us are still talking about the emotional goodbye between Tommy and Joel — and now, Gabriel Luna, who plays Tommy, is opening up about the scene’s deeper meaning. In a new interview, Luna shared how that farewell wasn’t just a regular goodbye — it was packed with a powerful double meaning that many viewers didn’t catch right away.
In the hit HBO series, Tommy and Joel share a complicated brotherly bond. They love each other deeply, but life in a brutal, post-apocalyptic world has changed them. When Tommy says goodbye to Joel, it seems like just another emotional farewell. But according to Gabriel Luna, it was much more than that.
“When Tommy says goodbye, it’s not just ‘see you later.’ It’s almost like a final farewell,” Luna explained. “Tommy knows deep down that Joel is heading into something really dangerous. He’s scared he might never see his brother again. So that moment is heavy with unspoken fear and love.”
Luna said he worked closely with Pedro Pascal (Joel) to make sure the scene felt real and raw. “We wanted the audience to feel the weight of every word, every pause, every look,” Luna said. “Because sometimes, when you love someone, you say goodbye in a way that says everything you’re too afraid to admit.”
The double meaning of the goodbye also reflects how much Tommy has changed. In earlier episodes, he was always willing to fight beside Joel. But now, with a new life and family to protect, Tommy has different priorities. “It’s heartbreaking,” Luna added. “Tommy is choosing a safer path, but it tears him up inside.”
Fans have praised Luna’s emotional performance, calling the scene one of the most heartbreaking moments of the series. Many said they didn’t realize until later just how much pain and love were hidden behind those few words.
With The Last of Us already confirmed for a second season, viewers are excited (and a little scared) to see what’s next for Tommy, Joel, and Ellie. If Luna’s emotional goodbye is any hint, we can expect even more heart-wrenching moments ahead.
Did you catch the double meaning in Tommy’s goodbye when you watched? If not, it might be time for a rewatch — but be warned, it hits even harder the second time.