The Last Of Us' Joel And Ellie Replacements Are Perfect For TLOU Part 3

Published Sep 25, 2026, 7:30 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers.

Over the years, gaming has given us some iconic pairings, such as Link and Zelda, Mario and Princess Peach, Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher, and Master Chief and Cortana to name but a few. However, there is no denying that Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us deserve a solid spot on this list.

Starting off their journey with indifference before slowly turning into a father and his daughter trying to survive together, it is their bond that plays a key role in the Naughty Dog franchise, giving fans some of the best and some of the most heartbreaking moments.

Two Sides of the Same Coin

Of course, it is Joel's death that sets about Ellie's quest for revenge throughout the events of The Last of Us Part II, and also how she becomes Abby's nemesis. However, it was the death of a father that drove both of the women to a life of anger and grief, and how they eventually became two sides of the same coin.

In a world where survival is a gift rather than a commodity, Abby and Ellie fall into the same trap of allowing grief to cloud their very judgment. However, unlike Ellie, who eventually loses everything in her quest for revenge, Abby finds something: Lev.

Much like Ellie found a companion in Joel, Abby found one in Lev, just further proof that their individual stories intertwine in more than one way. When the two finally come face-to-face in the twilight moments of The Last of Us Part II, it is their love for their individual companions which keeps them both alive.

Both Ellie and Abby realize that revenge is no longer worth it: Abby because she wishes to stay alive and escape with Lev, and Ellie because she remembers her final moments with Joel. As such, many consider their stories to be a mirror of one another, albeit moving in different directions. If this is the case, a potential The Last of Us Part III could now continue the story of Abby and Lev, bringing the Naughty Dog tale full circle in the process.

Our The Last of Us Part III Protagonists

Over on r/thelastofus, one user asked, "Would you want Abby and Lev in The Last Of Us Part III? I was talking to my brother about what we would want for The Last Of Us Part III and I mentioned how I would want Abby and Lev to appear again. He didn't agree, but do you want Abby and Lev to be in The Last Of Us Part III?"

With almost 400 comments, it is safe to say that The Last of Us fans have their differences when it comes to this age-old question, with one user sharing, "I grew to love Abby and Lev, but I think their story is done. If we saw them again, that would mean more bad stuff has happened to them and I don’t want that. I like the idea of them finding the Fireflies and having a good life. Elle’s story is still ongoing because, despite all that happened, she’s still looking for meaning and for it to have all been worth it."

Another said, "They’re going to be in it, if it exists. One of the achievements of Part II, as a story, is that it reintroduced the Fireflies into the narrative. Not only that but we have a character with eyes on the inside, presumably. I’ve said it before, but anyone who thinks Abby won’t show up in a potential third game is off their rocker."

However, with a large majority of fans believing that The Last of Us is Ellie's story through and through, it remains to be seen which direction Naughty Dog will take the third and final installment. However, with The Last of Us Part III not yet officially confirmed, it seems as though we have bigger fish to fry in the meantime.

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