Tony Dalton Joins The Last of Us Season 2 as Javier Miller

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Actor Tony Dalton makes his debut as Javier Miller in the sixth episode of season 2 of HBO‘s acclaimed series, The Last of Us, airing May 25, 2025. Seen frequently in shows such as Daredevil: Born Again and Hawkeye, Dalton portrays the often-violent father of Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, and Tommy, played by Gabriel Luna.

This pivotal episode titled “The Price” explores Joel’s backstory and the deep-rooted issues that shaped his character. It introduces a flashback set in Austin, Texas, in 1983, where a teenage Joel, played in the flashbacks by Andrew Diaz, tries to shield his younger brother Tommy from their father’s violent tendencies. During a tense encounter at the kitchen table, viewers see Javier offering Joel a beer rather than inflicting punishment, hinting at his struggles with generational trauma.

Showrunner Neil Druckmann expressed his admiration for Dalton, stating, “Tony Dalton was my first choice. I just loved his performance so much in Better Call Saul. I jokingly refer to him as the most charming, threatening man I’ve ever seen on television.” Druckmann’s appreciation for Dalton extended beyond The Last of Us; he cast Dalton in his upcoming video game project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

As the plot unfolds, Joel is forced to confront his father’s insecurities and past abuse, encapsulated in Javier’s regretful remarks about his parenting. The episode captures the complexity of Joel’s character development, especially how he strives to protect Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, as he grapples with his past.

The season finale airs next Sunday, promising to delve deeper into the characters’ dynamics as the storyline progresses toward a new climax.