"The Last of Us 2" is highly-anticipated to be released the next year. However, speculations and theories are widespread since the end of 2016. Joel facing his demise and Ellie falling in love with someone are among the interesting speculations.
"The Last of Us 2" is one of the much awaited survival horror games. Despite Naughty Dog being very reluctant about giving out information pertaining to the game, the trailer, in a way, has unveiled how the story may run in the upcoming sequel.
Joel's Demise
In the course of the panel discussion during the PSX 2016, it was made known that the setting of "Last of Us 2" is said to be five years later than the previous events in the previous installment. Additionally, director and creative producer Niel Druckmann unveiled that the sequel would be focusing about hate. The theory about Joel's demise in the forthcoming game is triggered by his appearance in the said trailer.
For some, the character in the "The Last of Us 2" trailer apparently appeared to be just a ghost. Other than that, several others noted that even after five years, Joel has still looked the same and looked like he never aged. Furthermore, it was noticeable as well that the clothes that Joel was wearing looked clean without having any stain at all, as compared to Ellie who appeared to be ragged and somewhat soaked with blood.
Another speculation for Joel's possible demise is that the Fireflies, which were inside the house shown in the trailer, have murdered him. This caused more theories that Ellie's hatred towards the Fireflies could have apparently resulted to their act of killing Joel. Despite the theory seems to be concrete, "The Last of Us 2," nevertheless, is a buddy combat system. It's either Joel is, indeed, alive or there would be another character which will be introduced in the story.
Ellie Will Fall in Love with Someone
Joel's death theory has allegedly spawned more speculations. If this would be true, and with "The Last of Us 2" having a buddy combat system, the game's fanbase cannot help but think that with the introduction of another character, Ellie might fall in love with him. Lastly, note that no information from Naughty Dog about these has been confirmed nor revealed.