Dexerto caught up with Jesse’s original actor, Stephen A. Chang, and got some insight as to why The Last of Us Part 2 star isn’t actively watching the HBO adaptation, along with his take on the events of the soul-crushing Season 2 finale.
It’s been almost five years since Naughty Dog’s epochal release of The Last of Us Part 2. Millions jumped in right away, though many had already been spoiled on the most shocking story beats as a result of early leaks.
From the bold twists to the daring structure of the narrative itself, the sequel nonetheless got conversation flowing. To this day, it remains one of the most contentious video games of all time.
For my money, it’s among the most moving experiences our medium has ever seen, though not one I’m eagerly looking to play again anytime soon. I’ve had my share of utter despair – a point that made Stephen A. Chang – Jesse’s original actor in the source material – laugh as we discussed that very predicament in light of HBO’s live-action adaptation.
With Episode 7 having aired on May 25, 2025, experienced fans and newcomers alike have now endured plenty of the very same emotional torment. From Chang’s initial reaction to that shocking sequence, along with his reasoning for not tuning in weekly, we touched on it all.
Word of warning, spoilers to follow. Do not continue reading if you wish to experience Part 2 of the game or Season 2 of the show unspoiled.
Jesse quickly became a beloved character in the show, just as he was in the game.
The Last of Us Season 2’s last big shock
Just when you think there can’t possibly be any further twists to round out Season 2, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann take Ellie’s journey one layer deeper into the depths of hell.
In the closing moments, Jesse, portrayed here by Young Mazino, is abruptly shot through the skull. No fanfare, no ceremony. Just another body to add to the pile.
For a character so vital to the opening act of the game and one so beloved by viewers of the show, it’s a particularly cold outing. Chang, who brought this scene to life half a decade prior, remembers his mind racing when first reading the script, calling it a real “gut check.
“We read it at a table read. ‘Jesse runs through the door and gets shot in the head.’
“I was like, ‘What the f**k?’ I flipped the pages and said ‘My name doesn’t appear anymore in the script?’”
“Sh*t, I’m really dead.”
Naughty DogJesse’s death is an unceremonious one, giving Ellie and the player no time to grieve.
Empathizing with fans of the show now going through the trauma for the first time, Chang gave wonderful perspective on the character he helped define.
“Once you lose something in life, you only then realize how precious something was. So maybe the death of Jesse is what made him so beloved.”
While left “shocked” by the script, Chang looks back on the filming day itself in a much lighter shade. Amusingly, he requested to perform the ‘stunt’ of Jesse’s death himself. “At least I can do this,” he recalled saying. “Just run forward and fall on a mat.”
It wasn’t meant to be, however, as Naughty Dog brought in a stuntman instead. “I said, ‘Come on, bro. I can fall on a mat and play dead!’”
Why Jesse’s original actor doesn’t watch The Last of Us on HBO
Despite the likes of Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson – Joel and Ellie respectively – appearing in the live-action adaptation in new roles, Chang never got a call. While he’s still keeping his “fingers crossed” for an appearance down the line, he joked that “if Troy got killed… maybe it’s best I’m not in it!
“Maybe I’ll… no, I can’t be the one that does Jesse in,” he said with a laugh.
It’s partly this reason why Chang hasn’t been actively tuning in as the series airs. Although he played an integral role in game, it’s been “intentional” to avoid the show, joking that he’s a “weird actor” for doing so.
“I have a very big ego. When I’m seeing other actors, I’m like, ‘I could be doing that. Why am I not in that?’ But at the same time, I feel very impressionable. If I see something, it sticks in my brain. I try to keep a blank palette.”
When asked if he might overcome those factors to witness this other take on the material, Chang shook his head. However, he did express “love for Neil [Druckmann]” and assured he has full “support of The Last of Us and Naughty Dog.
“I’m so excited about how big it is. I’m excited for Young Mazino. I’m so supportive. But for me, watching it is like, it’s not good for my soul, I guess. But it has nothing to do with the show or anything like that. Actors are weird people.”
Chang praises Young Mazino’s work as Jesse
Having not watched any of Season 1, Chang’s first time actually seeing anything from the HBO series came when he attended the LA premiere of Season 2. He therefore had to view the first episode, but hasn’t chosen to watch beyond that.
The opening chapter gave us our first look at Young Mazino taking over the reigns as Jesse. As it turns out, it’s an entirely fresh portrayal with no degree of influence from the original cast member, as Chang told us.
“He doesn’t need my help whatsoever. From what I saw, he brings himself to the role, which is how it should be. I wouldn’t want him asking me. Find your own thing. Not in a rude way, but I think that’s what makes it interesting.”
HBOJesse’s original voice actor is certainly a fan of Mazino’s portrayal of the character.
Describing his performance, Chang said he “loved” seeing Mazino in the role. “I feel like he has a natural charisma. He has a leadership quality.”
Beyond that, he felt that Young had developed an off-screen rapport with lead actress Bella Ramsey, a rapport that pierced through into their on-screen work.
Chang even had a hilarious encounter with Young at the LA premiere. As attendees were getting up to leave, he spotted the actor from across the venue.
“I was like, ‘Oh my God. I think that’s him!’ I pushed through to get to him and talk to him. He probably thought I was some crazy stalker.”
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