HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 continues to captivate audiences with its gripping twists and powerful storytelling. Jackson, now a battle-scarred warzone after relentless infected attacks, has thrust the spotlight onto the survivors. Among them is Jesse, a steadfast pillar of the community and a vital ally to Ellie.
Coupang Play released a full interview with Young Mazino, who portrays Jesse in the series. The Korean-American actor, riding the wave of his breakout role in Beef, opened up about connecting with Jesse’s character, navigating the show’s intense world-building and what makes The Last of Us resonate so deeply with viewers worldwide. The interview below is the English translation of the full interview written in Korean.
Q. What intrigued you most about playing Jesse in Season 2?
I was really impressed by how Neil Druckmann had already created Jesse, a character so beloved in the game. Reading the script, I found the TV series’ adaptation to be incredibly well thought-out, and I could clearly sense the tone and direction showrunner Craig Mazin was aiming for. When I saw the line calling Jesse the “Wyoming Captain,” it just clicked — I was like, “Oh, that’s the vibe!”
Q. Did you have any experience with the game before joining the show?
Funny story—when Season 1 aired, I didn’t even have a PlayStation. I actually watched the cutscenes on YouTube like a movie and got completely hooked. The game has so many cinematic moments, and I stayed up all night watching. When I was offered the role for Season 2, I realized, “Wait, there’s a second game?” That’s when I finally played it myself.
Q. Do you think your appearance in ‘Beef’ caught the casting team’s attention?
I think they saw it, yeah. But what I was really grateful for was that they invited me to sit down and talk for an hour. I thought I was there to audition, but right after the meeting, the showrunner said, “Don’t worry, you’re good.” I walked out like, “Whoa, really?” and a few days later, I got the casting call. Part of me felt relieved, but part of me was a little scared, too. Someone had already had me in mind, and my name was even in the pitch, so it all felt more natural.
Q. How would you describe Jesse’s role within the community?
Jesse’s someone who loves to stay busy. I personally found peace during a rough period in my life by chopping wood behind my parents’ house, and I think Jesse’s in that same mental space. He’s kind of an outsider—he’s not originally from Jackson. Even though he’s found stability there, you can tell from Episode 1 that he still feels like a bit of a loner. The connection he feels with Ellie comes from that same loneliness — he knows she feels it too, that sense of looking in from the outside.
That’s why he loves patrolling and working alone. I have a friend like that — kind of a wanderer, loves nature, but doesn’t quite fit into society. Still, they want to contribute. I see Jesse the same way. Having a safe space to be alone is such an interesting trait that brings any character to life. Of course, there are also hints of romantic complications woven in.
Q. How would you describe Jesse’s feelings about his relationship with Dina?
Jesse deeply wants to love and be loved, especially in a post-apocalyptic world where such bonds feel vital. But he comes to realize there are values beyond romantic love. He sees more meaning in working for the greater good of the community rather than living solely for one person.
He survived because of Jackson, and he feels a debt to repay. Dina and I even had a conversation about this in the script. Dina’s a free spirit, fiercely independent, and I think those qualities either clash with or balance out Jesse’s desire for stability.
Q. What is it that Dina finds in Ellie that she couldn’t get from Jesse?
Excitement, I think. Ellie brings an energy that Jesse simply doesn’t. There’s that scene where Dina and Ellie share a dance, and Ellie’s visibly nervous. Jesse watches from across the room. That moment really shows why Dina’s heart might have shifted away from him.
Q. What do you think makes ‘The Last of Us’ so appealing, even to those who haven’t played the game?
It’s the storytelling. A lot of genre shows—especially horror or thrillers—tend to rely on their aesthetics. But The Last of Us comes from a place of strong IP, thanks to Neil Druckmann and his team. Then you have a master storyteller like Craig Mazin, who’s tackled everything from comedies like The Hangover to heavy dramas like Chernobyl. He really gets what makes a story tick. When that kind of storytelling meets a grounded world of monsters and communities, it becomes so rich and layered. Add in Shakespearean tragedy, revenge drama, and a love story woven together, and it’s just breathtaking to think about the scale and intricacy of the world they’ve built.
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Source: Coupang Play, HBO
