Young Mazino Reveals Shocking Truths About Jesse in 'The Last of Us' Finale!

⚠️ WARNING: The following discussion includes plot points from Season 2, Episode 7 of “The Last of Us,” currently available on Max. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

This way, the warning is more engaging and easier to understand for readers who might not be familiar with specific terms like “spoiler” or “Max.

Following a ten-year grind trying to make it big in Hollywood, Young Mazino was on the brink of giving up. He had put everything he had into acting, leaving behind his finance career at a particularly difficult moment – just three weeks before the pandemic hit.

My world fell apart, leading me on an introspective odyssey. I bid farewell to the bustling city life in New York and ventured into the tranquil desolation. In search of self-discovery, I partook in a series of psychedelic experiences. Eventually, I chose to divert my attention elsewhere.” I shared this with you, EbMaster.

However, it seemed as if the universe had different aspirations for him. “Indeed, just as I find tranquility, I am offered an unparalleled chance, only to be pulled once more into this chaotic whirlwind,” Mazino chuckles.

Indeed, that chance was undeniably linked to “Beef,” the Netflix anthology show where Mazino faced off against Steven Yeun and Ali Wong. His exceptional performance as the aimless crypto investor Paul Cho in this series even earned him a nomination for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.

Currently, he’s the leading character in another critically-adored show, “The Last of Us” on HBO. His character, named Jesse, embodies an unusual type of man. He’s similar to a Boy Scout in an apocalyptic setting, always putting the safety of his community first and above all else.

In the final episode of Season 2, following Jesse’s discovery that Dina (Isabela Merced) is carrying his child, he persuades Ellie (Bella Ramsey) to meet up with Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and forgo her mission for vengeance against those who killed Joel.

When the pair learns that Tommy is facing off against WLF troops, Ellie chooses not to assist, opting instead to chase after Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) towards the aquarium. Eventually, Jesse and Tommy locate Ellie following her deadly confrontation with Abby’s companions Mel (Ariela Barer) and Owen (Spencer Lord). They return her to the theater where Dina is recuperating from an injury.

As the team is about to head back to Jackson, Abby unexpectedly appears and fatally shoots Jesse in cold blood.

Hey there, EbMaster! From up here on my perch atop my Maryland abode, I’d like to share some thoughts about a cherished game character and my rollercoaster ride into Tinseltown – a journey that mirrors his own intriguing path. Mazino out.

What was your familiarity with the game before signing on?

A while back, I stumbled upon a YouTube compilation that included the opening scenes of the first game. Later, when I had a chance to meet Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, I immediately purchased a second-hand PS4 and played through the game until my character met their end. Feeling prepared, I then attended the meeting and also watched the entire first season.

Did you go back and finish the game after Jesse’s death?

No. I’m dead!

I imagine that after “Beef,” you had a lot of offers coming your way. Why was “The Last of Us” the right fit?

It’s unusual that I didn’t need to audition for this role, as my co-star Gabriel Luna mentioned in an interview. According to our co-creator Craig Mazin, he doesn’t just cast people; he casts souls. So we may not always resemble our characters, but we can embody their essence. I believe it was the production of “Beef,” and the talented individuals like Lee Sung Jin, Jake Schreier, and many others involved, that gave me the visibility needed for Craig Mazin to recognize my existence.

What were the qualities you saw in Jesse that made him a character you wanted to play?

I really appreciate how dependable and consistent he is, much like a trustworthy friend or even my father. Truth be told, I’ve been rather self-centered when it comes to my aspirations, impulsive, and preferring solitude. However, encountering someone who values community so deeply and cherishes his friends feels almost like discovering the son my dad would have raised. This individual embodies dependability and reliability, qualities I share, but I’ve often prioritized personal freedom over shared responsibilities. Jesse, in a sense, represents the opposite side of that coin – someone who willingly takes on the burdens of love and responsibility.

I was glad to see one of the most telling cutscenes from the game included here, when Ellie chooses to go after Abby at the aquarium instead of helping Jesse find Tommy. At the end, Jesse says, “I really hope you make it.” Was that line sincere or sarcastic?

The message I received indicated Jesse was astonished. With Seattle almost behind us, intact as a group, this seems to be the joyful conclusion! We’re off to fetch Tommy, and then we head home. In my thoughts, I’m thinking, “By now, Ellie, you should realize that’s our strategy. Given Dina’s pregnancy and our dire circumstances, it’s crucial.” I had opened up to her in the bookstore, sharing something deeply personal, hoping to emphasize, “You must support each other. That’s how we escape this predicament.

At that instance, it seems to me that Ellie’s sudden desire to seek revenge might stem from exasperation. It’s a tumultuous mix of emotions, and it’s not a positive development. When Ellie lashes out at Jesse, it feels like she’s saying, “The community? You let a child die today!” Jesse wasn’t indifferent about that, but in that scene, I found myself looking away. If I were present, I believe I would have intervened violently. So when she uses this to provoke Jesse, she’s striking a raw nerve. She’s aiming straight for the heart. He understands that she has crossed a line. She’s now completely immersed in anger.

In that final statement, I wished for a blend of sorrow over her impending fate, but she seems destined to perish out there. Yet, duty calls. I must ensure Dina reaches home safely. Honestly, I do hope you pull through. I’m enraged, frustrated. Perhaps there’s a part of me that wishes to subdue her and take her with me to find Tommy. However, I recognize her pain too. She witnessed her community brutally attacked. Therefore, who am I to hinder her pursuit of vengeance?

Jesse also reveals that he didn’t vote for Ellie’s plan to send a team to Seattle and find Joel’s killers.

He aimed to draw a line between himself and her, as she needed to understand. Known as “Captain Wyoming,” he is deeply committed to his community and abides by its rules. Yet, here he stands, disregarding his own rule and going against the decision he had publicly opposed. Despite this, Ellie persists in her determination to carry on with the dangerous mission. He speaks with a hint of pleasure and contentment.

You call it a suicide mission, but Jesse’s ultimately the one that pays the price for Ellie’s recklessness.

Absolutely. Ellie has essentially seized Jesse’s future. If given the chance, he could have become a parent. The concept of community means a great deal to him; the idea of having his own family would mean everything. It would be his ultimate fulfillment. However, for such an important goal to be destroyed due to this need for vengeance against someone who no longer exists, I believe it significantly impacts the emotional turmoil and trauma that Ellie experiences.

That scene when Jesse lets the WLF capture the Scar seems to really represent how his priorities shift after learning he’s going to become a father. How did that revelation inform the way you took Jesse through the rest of this episode?

In such instances, Jesse tends to organize his thoughts and feelings meticulously. After he learns about becoming a father, knowing that Dina is expecting, he switches into full-on mission mentality: He sets aside all emotions, concentrates on goals, and prioritizes returning home safely under any circumstances.

Or:

When Jesse discovers he’s going to be a dad and learns that Dina is pregnant, he adopts an all-business approach, putting aside his feelings, focusing on the task at hand, ensuring a safe return home no matter what challenges arise.

We need to unpack his speech in the bookstore, when he reveals his past love to Ellie, and the decision he made to stay in Jackson. It’s helpful context about Jesse’s character that we don’t get in the game. How did you approach that?

I believe if I were Jesse, I might have chosen to accompany her to Mexico. That incident shed light on many aspects of Jesse’s personality. When Dina asks, “Does he ever strike you as seeming kind of sad?”, I find that an intriguing observation, because I can relate to the sensation of harboring profound melancholy hidden beneath a mask of happiness and good humor. It seldom manifests openly, and one can usually see laughter and joviality on the surface.

In my opinion, during Jesse’s individual missions, when he’s alone and away from the group, often found smoking marijuana in the woods, it seems as though his thoughts wander to profound matters. When I read this, it struck me as if Jesse understands life’s essential aspects, and the sacrifices he has made to safeguard those important things. This understanding might be what gives him a tranquil self-assurance, a trait that is quite Zen. I’m not sure I could make such a sacrifice myself.

It feels like Jesse is a little jealous of the way Ellie gets to move through the world so impulsively, while he’s always had to be this Boy Scout.

Absolutely! There’s an aspect where Jesse appreciates Ellie’s bold spirit and her freedom in a sense. It seems to Jesse that they share a common thread, despite life having dealt them different hands. Jesse isn’t aware of Ellie’s immunity to infection yet, but he notices that she carries an unusual resilience that allows her to approach dangerous situations more casually. As the potential future leader of Jackson, Jesse is not immune to infection and faces death lurking nearby. They both are drawn towards Dina, a beacon of hope.

In an intense sequence of events, I found myself witnessing a chilling confrontation between Tommy, Jesse, and Ellie, following her brutal acts against Owen, Mel, and another individual. As Jesse laid eyes on Ellie, he couldn’t help but acknowledge the extremes she was willing to go for revenge. In that moment, he muttered under his breath, “You’re playing with fire.” And boy, was he right. Ellie, accompanied by Dina, had been taking matters into her own hands, leaving a trail of bloodshed in her wake – even claiming the lives of an innocent man and pregnant woman. Although it was clear that this turn of events left Ellie despondent, Jesse’s reaction was simply, “Wow.” In a twisted sense, one could argue that, given similar circumstances, she would be the ally you’d want by your side.

Well, shit does hit the fan. Just like in the game, Jesse’s gone in the blink of an eye. Was there ever a world where his death was more drawn out?

Indeed, it appears that was a chilling and fitting sequence of events. This scene, I believe, underscores the raw and unforgiving aspects of our world. One momentary lapse, and fate can be ruthless. It seems to me this scene encapsulates the essence of the show’s message particularly effectively. There are other deaths portrayed in the series, but this one resonates profoundly. Ellie is grappling with the aftermath as Tommy faces his impending end.

Jesse couldn’t be any more different than your “Beef” character, Paul. You’ve already gotten to show so much range – what kind of roles do you hope to pursue in the future?

As a movie enthusiast, I’m yearning for an immersive experience that comes from diving deep into a character who embodies a specific profession or craft. Imagine if I were to transform myself into a taxi driver, spending six months behind the wheel without any scripted lines, or learning the art of blacksmithing, or enduring a grueling six-month boot camp for a role. These challenging opportunities are what truly ignite my passion. I’ve just secured my next project – an intriguing independent film. I cherished portraying Paul and Jesse, and for me, it’s all about elevating my craft and collaborating with exceptional talents once more.

Apart from honing my skills through practice and personal performances, I strive to achieve a harmonious blend of deliberate choices and spontaneity in my acting. My ultimate goal is to reach a stage where my performances appear naturally fluid yet are underpinned by thoughtful decisions. Once I embark on scriptwriting and directing, I believe I’ll be capable of creating outstanding pieces of work.

Your star rose very quickly after your breakout role in “Beef.” How did you adjust to that?

Despite my passion for art, I’m still making an effort to cope with the chaos that comes along with fame. It’s the attention, the loss of privacy, and navigating through Hollywood’s complexities that often leaves me feeling bewildered. At times, it feels surreal and overwhelming, especially when I find myself enjoying luxurious experiences like staying in high-end hotels in cities like Paris and London to promote my work. Yet, amidst these opulent surroundings, the world faces devastating issues such as bombings, wars, occupations, massacres, and genocides. This stark contrast leaves me questioning my role here, causing me to ponder, “What am I doing here?” It’s challenging for me to reconcile with this dream that once led me away, now returning, all while being mindful of Jaden Smith’s words, “the economic and political state of the world.

In a way that may seem surprising, the world depicted in “The Last of Us” post-apocalypse appears tranquil or idealistic in certain aspects. This society is quite straightforward: outside lies danger in the form of monsters like clickers, bloaters, and stalkers; inside lies safety and good people. I’d much rather face the monsters than deal with oligarchs, politicians, and capitalism.

There’s a lot of conversation online highlighting that, as an Asian man, you’ve played characters who eschew stereotypes and are seen as attractive. Do you feel pressure around embodying that kind of representation?

Growing up immersed in Hollywood’s portrayals, I’ve always been mindful of the characterizations and stereotypes they perpetuate. As a child, I often wondered if my ethnicity was the reason for my perceived unattractiveness. It puzzled me greatly. However, as I matured, I began to understand that it was merely ignorance. Over time, I learned to care less about such narrow-minded views and embraced the vastness of the world beyond these limitations.

I’m not under any stress about representing Asian men or being a symbol for them. Everyone should discover their own unique human identity. My personal life doesn’t align with people’s perceptions of me. I’m collaborating on an anime series with friends, and we enjoy playing “Sea of Thieves” together. I don’t require the world to admire me; all I need is one special, wonderful woman who can appreciate me for who I am. One is enough for me.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-05-26 06:50

Young Mazino Reveals Shocking Truths About Jesse in ‘The Last of Us’ Finale!