When news first broke that Pedro Pascal would be portraying Joel Miller in HBO's "The Last of Us," fans online were very skeptical that he would be able to do the character justice. Because "The Last of Us" is such a beloved and revered video game, fans were understandably worried that Pascal and his co-star Bella Ramsey (who plays Ellie) wouldn't live up to the incredibly high standard set by Joel and Ellie's original voice actors: Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson.

Yet right up through Joel's demise early in Season 2, Pascal put those fears to rest by giving a television performance for the ages: expertly balancing Joel's ruthless penchant for violence alongside his vulnerable, traumatic position as a father figure to Ellie. Pascal's emphasis on the more emotional side of Joel (which came to a peak in Season 1, Episode 6, when he was overcome by memories of his daughter's death) pushed many fans to tears, and Baker himself even came out to say that Pascal's performance made him rethink Joel's character entirely.

It's since become clear that Pascal was the perfect casting choice for Joel, and surpassed all expectations with his unique and memorable performance as the character. That said, it might surprise some fans to learn that another prolific actor actually came very close to being cast as Joel on "The Last of Us."

In a career spanning over two decades of film and television, Mahershala Ali has established himself as one of the most acclaimed actors on the planet, having earned two Academy Awards for best supporting actor for his performances in "Moonlight" and "Green Book" (both of which also won best picture in their respective years). Ali has also received critical acclaim for his television performances in "Luke Cage," "True Detective," and "Ramy," and apparently came very close to starring in one of the most popular shows on television. Voice actor Jeffrey Pierce recently revealed that Ali was approached to play the part of Joel Miller in "The Last of Us."

"I think initially they had talked to Mahershala Ali about playing Joel, which is an obvious cue that I'm not gonna play Tommy," Pierce told The Direct, explaining why he didn't play his character from the video game. "And when they cast Pedro [Pascal], I knew like, yeah, that was certainly not going to happen regardless, I'm older than Pedro Pascal."

Although Pierce's comments don't specify exactly how these talks with Ali began, it certainly sounds like he was actually one of the first choices to play Joel — which will no doubt shock some fans, given the extreme praise that Pascal received. In much the same way that Pascal provided his own twists on the character, one has to wonder how Ali's performance would have altered or enhanced the role. However, considering his accomplishments in the past, it's safe to say that Ali would have absolutely crushed the part, even if Pascal has established himself as the definitive live-action version of Joel.

The revelation about Mahershala Ali's near-casting adds a fascinating alternate history to the Emmy-winning series. Ali, who first gained widespread recognition for his role as Remy Danton in "House of Cards," has demonstrated a remarkable range across both film and television. His Oscar-winning turn in "Moonlight" as the drug dealer Juan showcased his ability to convey deep, silent empathy, while his performance in "Green Book" as Dr. Don Shirley required him to embody a refined, complex, and isolated genius. These skills would have translated powerfully to Joel Miller, a character haunted by the loss of his daughter and forced into a brutal survival mode.

Pedro Pascal, meanwhile, brought his own brand of weary charm to Joel. Known for his roles in "Game of Thrones" as Oberyn Martell and "Narcos" as Javier Peña, Pascal had already proven his ability to mix physicality with emotional vulnerability. In "The Last of Us," he created a Joel that felt both like a hardened killer and a grieving father, a balance that won over even the most skeptical fans.

The casting process for "The Last of Us" was famously secretive. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (the creator of the video game) had to find an actor who could capture the character's gruff exterior and hidden tenderness. Pascal auditioned with a scene that showcased both sides, and Mazin later recalled that there was "no one else" after seeing his tape. But the approach of Ali indicates that the team considered a very different interpretation of the character, one that might have leaned more into a quiet intensity.

If Ali had been cast, the dynamic between Joel and Ellie might have shifted. Bella Ramsey's Ellie is spirited, often rebellious, and deeply needy for connection. Pascal's Joel responded with a grudging warmth, sometimes overwhelmed by his own feelings. Ali tends to play characters who are more reserved, almost contemplative, which could have created a more cautious, hesitant father figure. That could have affected the tonal balance of the show, especially in the quieter moments of bonding during their journey.

The show's success has opened the door for other video game adaptations to take similar care in casting. "The Last of Us" remains a benchmark for how to translate interactive storytelling to a passive medium, with performances that respect the source material while forging new ground. The revelation about Ali only deepens appreciation for the choices that were made, and for the path not taken.

In many ways, the near-casting of Mahershala Ali mirrors other famous "what if" moments in Hollywood. For instance, Will Smith was considered for Neo in "The Matrix," Tom Selleck nearly played Indiana Jones, and John Travolta was close to being Forrest Gump. Each of those choices would have fundamentally changed the movies. Similarly, Ali's Joel would have been a different creature: perhaps more Stoic, perhaps more terrifying when his violence was unleashed, but no less compelling.

Ultimately, both actors are at the top of their game. Pascal is now synonymous with Joel Miller, and his performance has been celebrated as one of the best in prestige television. Ali continues to work on high-profile projects, including the upcoming Marvel film "Blade" (after some delays), and remains one of the most respected actors in the industry. For fans of "The Last of Us," the news that Ali was almost Joel is a fascinating trivia point that underscores the craft of casting and the many variables that lead to a perfect match.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News