Young Mazino’s Jesse Made a Real Impact in The Last of Us Season 2
Okay, so if you’ve been watching The Last of Us Season 2, you probably know just how hard Jesse’s storyline hit. Played by Young Mazino, Jesse isn’t loud or flashy — he’s just this really grounded guy from the Jackson community who you can tell cares more about others than himself. He’s the kind of person you want in your corner, especially in a world that’s constantly falling apart. He’s always trying to look out for people like Ellie and Dina, and honestly, that’s what made it so tough when his story took that unexpected turn. You kind of hope characters like him get to survive, but in this world, nothing’s guaranteed.
Mazino Really Got Into the Role — and It Shows
It’s clear Young Mazino didn’t just show up and read lines. He actually put in a lot of work behind the scenes. He trained with weapons, learned to ride horses, and really thought about who Jesse was as a person. He said he saw Jesse as someone carrying a lot of emotional weight, always trying to do the right thing even when it wasn’t easy. And when you watch him on screen, you feel that. He’s not just a supporting character — he feels real. There’s a softness in how he leads, and his connection with Ellie and Dina just makes you care even more. It didn’t feel acted — it felt natural, like he was Jesse.
That Death Scene? Brutal — But Powerful
Jesse’s death in the show came out of nowhere. One second he’s there, and the next… gone. No dramatic music, no big warning. And I think that’s why it hit so hard. It felt real. Mazino actually talked about how he wanted that scene to feel right, so they filmed it multiple times to make sure it landed the way it needed to. Even though it was a violent and emotional moment, he stayed focused on helping make the whole scene work for the story, not just for his part. That kind of teamwork shows. The scene became one of the most unforgettable parts of the season — not just because it was shocking, but because it felt honest.
Mazino Off-Screen Is Just as Thoughtful
Outside the show, Young Mazino seems like a pretty grounded guy. After his big breakout role in Beef (which even got him an Emmy nom), he’s not just jumping at any project for fame. He’s being picky — in a good way — and only going for roles that actually mean something to him. He’s talked about the pressure of being in the spotlight and how he wants to stay true to his values. He’s even thinking about writing and directing in the future, which honestly makes sense, considering how deeply he thinks about the stories he’s in. He’s not just in it for the fame — he’s in it to create something real.
Jesse’s Legacy Will Stick Around
Even though Jesse’s gone, you can feel the hole he left behind. His death will definitely impact the choices Ellie and others make moving forward. But also, it’s not just about how he died — it’s about who he was. Kind, loyal, and quietly strong. That’s what really made him special. And because of Mazino’s performance, fans aren’t just sad Jesse died — they’re grateful for how he lived. In a show full of violence and chaos, Jesse reminded us there’s still room for decency and heart. That’s not something we’ll forget anytime soon.
