Joel Miller Cosplay: A Comprehensive Guide

Halloween is just around the corner and if you're a fan of HBO's hit series, and the game, The Last Of Us, then you'll want to dress up as the main protagonist, Joel Miller. Joel is a survivor in a post-pandemic world where he has lost everything he valued in life. He is a hardened man who operates as a smuggler, dealing in contraband. If you want to look and feel like Joel, then follow this step-by-step guide on how to dress and act like him at your Halloween party. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to dress up like Joel, including the necessary items you'll need to get his look just right. We'll also give you some tips on how to act like Joel at your Halloween party to fully embody the character. Let's dive into the world of The Last Of Us and transform into Joel Miller!

HBO's The Last Of Us Joel Miller Costume

Guide

You will need the following items for your Joel from HBO's The Last Of Us Halloween Costume:

  1. Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt
  2. Straight Fit Tapered Leg Jean
  3. Toy Revolver
  4. Joel's Watch Replica
  5. Dark Brown Heavy-Duty Backpack
  6. Skechers Men's Verdict Men's Boot

Joel is a survivor who is willing to do anything to survive. The ravages of the fungal epidemic that has devastated civilization have hardened the man in his 40s. Everything he valued in life has been lost. He lives in one of the few remaining military-controlled quarantine zones and operates as a black market smuggler, dealing in contraband. He has taken numerous dehumanizing jobs over the years in order to survive in this new post-pandemic world. As Joel shuts down his emotions to cope with his new life, his conscience slowly fades away.

Get the look of Joel Miller from HBO by dressing up in a long sleeve flannel shirt, straight fit jeans, brown boots, and dark brown backpack.

Joel's look is not complete unless you team up with his dear Ellie. Get daughter to dress up as Ellie alongside Joel for the best father daughter Halloween costume ever. Or you can also get other members of your family for a group cosplay. Get them to dress up as Riley AbelSarah Miller, and Tess.

Other Items Worn / Used by Joel

Kit Cat Klock
Tabasco Sauce

The Last Of Us Part 2 Joel Costume

The Last Of Us Joel Miller Costume

How To Dress Like Joel Miller From The Last Of Us

Dress Like Joel Miller From The Last Of Us Part 2

To pull off the perfect Joel Miller costume, you'll need to follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Start with the Shirt: Joel is known for his simple yet rugged style, so a long-sleeve flannel shirt is the perfect place to start. Look for one in a dark or muted color, like navy blue or forest green.

Step 2: Add the Pants: Pair your flannel shirt with a pair of straight fit, tapered leg jeans. Make sure they're well-worn and have a distressed look to give them that post-apocalyptic feel.

Step 3: Boots: Joel is always ready for action, so a sturdy pair of boots is a must-have for your costume. Look for a pair of brown Skechers Men's Verdict boots that have a rugged, work-boot feel.

Step 4: Accessorize: No Joel costume is complete without his signature backpack and watch. Look for a dark brown, heavy-duty backpack to carry your essentials, and a replica of Joel's watch to complete the look.

Step 5: Toy Revolver: Joel is a survivor, so he's always prepared for danger. A toy revolver is the perfect prop to add to your costume and make you feel like a true survivor in the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us.

Step 6: Team Up with Ellie: For the ultimate father-daughter Halloween costume, team up with your own Ellie. Have your daughter dress up as Ellie alongside you for a truly memorable costume that's sure to be a hit at any Halloween party.

With these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to creating an authentic Joel Miller costume that's sure to impress.

Joel Miller Cosplay

Joel Miller Cosplay

Dressing up like Joel is just the first step, to truly embody the character, you need to act like him as well. Here are some tips to help you act like Joel at the Halloween party:

  1. Be protective of those close to you: Joel is known for his protective nature, especially towards Ellie. If you are attending the party with someone, make sure to keep an eye out for them and make them feel safe and comfortable.
  2. Stay guarded: Joel is a character who has been through a lot of trauma and has a tough exterior as a result. Keep your guard up and try not to let your emotions show too much.
  3. Be resourceful: Joel is a survivor and knows how to make do with what he has. If you are faced with any challenges at the party, try to be resourceful and find a way to overcome them.
  4. Have a dark sense of humor: Despite the tough exterior, Joel has a dark sense of humor that he uses to cope with the bleak post-apocalyptic world he lives in. If appropriate, try to inject some of this humor into your conversations at the party.
  5. Be confident: Joel is a confident and capable character. Try to embody this confidence in your interactions with others at the party.

By following these tips, you can truly bring Joel to life at the Halloween party and impress all of your fellow Last of Us fans.

About Joel Miller

Joel Miller is a main character in the HBO series The Last of Us, based on the video game series of the same name by Naughty Dog. He is portrayed by Pedro Pascal, who is also known for his roles in Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian1. In the series, Joel is a survivor of a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by a fungal infection that turns humans into zombie-like creatures called the Infected. He lost his daughter, Sarah, during the outbreak and became a hardened and cynical smuggler in the Boston quarantine zone. He is hired by a rebel group called the Fireflies to escort a teenage girl named Ellie across the country, as she is immune to the infection and may hold the key to a cure. Along the way, Joel and Ellie develop a father-daughter bond and face various dangers and moral dilemmas2. Joel is a complex and flawed character who struggles with his past, his emotions, and his choices. He is skilled in combat, stealth, and survival, but also shows compassion, humor, and vulnerability at times3. He is also a fan of music and plays the guitar.

 

1. thelastofus.fandom.com      2. en.wikipedia.org      3. movieweb.com

The Last Of Us Other Costume Ideas

Sarah
Ellie
Perry
Tommy
Riley Abel
Tess

Additional Tips

Creating an authentic Joel Miller costume is just the beginning. To take your transformation to the next level, here are some additional tips:

  1. Weathering and Distressing: To achieve that rugged, post-apocalyptic look, consider weathering and distressing your costume. Use sandpaper to create worn spots on your jeans and flannel shirt, giving them that well-traveled appearance.
  2. Realistic Makeup: If you want to add some battle scars or dirt to your face, use realistic makeup to create a weathered look. Focus on subtle details like darkening the areas around your eyes to convey Joel's tired and battle-worn appearance.
  3. Practice Joel's Voice: If you're a perfectionist, practice Joel's gruff and gravelly voice. You can find clips from the game or series to mimic his tone and speech patterns for added authenticity.
  4. Learn Key Lines: Memorize some of Joel's iconic lines from The Last of Us. Use them sparingly during conversations at the party to stay in character and impress fellow fans.
  5. Stay in Character: Throughout the event, maintain Joel's demeanor. Be protective of those close to you, stay guarded, and exhibit resourcefulness when faced with challenges. This consistent character portrayal will enhance the overall experience.

Group Costume Ideas Alongside Joel Miller

 

While Joel Miller makes a compelling solo costume, consider involving your friends or family for an epic group cosplay from The Last of Us. Here are some character suggestions to accompany your Joel costume:

  1. Ellie: Invite a friend or family member to dress up as Ellie, Joel's beloved companion. This dynamic duo makes for an unforgettable father-daughter costume.
  2. Riley Abel: Recruit another member of your group to portray Riley Abel, a key character from the game's prequel, "The Last of Us: Left Behind." Riley's inclusion adds depth to your group cosplay.
  3. Sarah Miller: For a poignant touch, someone can embody Sarah Miller, Joel's daughter, whose tragic fate is revealed early in the game.
  4. Tess: Invite a friend to become Tess, another pivotal character in Joel's life and a fellow smuggler.

By forming a group cosplay with these characters, you'll create a memorable ensemble that pays homage to The Last of Us universe and impresses fellow fans.

Joel Miller Costume FAQs

 

  1. Are there any specific facial scars I should recreate for my Joel costume?

    • Joel has various facial scars, but the most recognizable one is above his right eyebrow. You can use makeup or prosthetic scars to mimic this distinctive feature.
  2. How can I make my jeans look distressed and worn for an authentic Joel appearance?

    • To achieve a distressed look for your jeans, use sandpaper to gently wear down certain areas. Focus on the knees, thighs, and pockets for that post-apocalyptic effect.
  3. What's the best way to style my hair to match Joel's look?

    • Joel's hairstyle is relatively simple. Keep your hair short and tousled to replicate his rugged appearance.
  4. Is it necessary to wear a backpack for my Joel costume?

    • Wearing a backpack is optional but adds authenticity.
  5. Are there any specific quotes or catchphrases associated with Joel that I should use at the party?

    • "I struggled for a long time with survivin’. And you—No matter what, you keep finding something to fight for. Now, I know that’s not what you want to hear right now, but it’s the truth." This is what Joel says to Ellie in the ranch house, after she runs away from him and confronts him about his plan to leave her with Tommy. It reveals Joel’s inner conflict and his gradual acceptance of Ellie as his surrogate daughter.
    • "You have no idea what loss is." This is what Joel says to Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies, before he shoots her in the head. It reflects Joel’s grief over losing his daughter Sarah and his unwillingness to let Ellie die for a cure that may not even work.
    • "You’re right… You’re not my daughter. And I sure as hell ain’t your dad." This is what Joel says to Ellie in the winter chapter, after they are attacked by a group of cannibals led by David. It shows Joel’s anger and frustration at Ellie for putting herself in danger and his denial of their bond.
    • "I guess no matter how hard you try, you can’t escape your past." This is what Joel says to Tommy, his younger brother, when they reunite at the hydroelectric dam. It implies Joel’s regret and guilt over some of the things he did to survive in the post-apocalyptic world.
  6. Should I carry any prop weapons with my Joel costume, and if so, which ones?

    • Carrying prop weapons can enhance your Joel cosplay. Opt for a toy revolver or a toy rifle to match his survivalist persona, ensuring they comply with costume safety guidelines.
  7. How can I create realistic dirt and grime on my costume for that post-apocalyptic look?
    • Achieving realistic dirt and grime can be done with fabric-safe dirt or makeup products designed for cosplay. Apply them strategically to mimic the wear and tear of Joel's world.
  8. What's the best way to create Joel's rugged, weathered facial appearance with makeup?

    • To create Joel's rugged appearance, use makeup to add subtle shadows around your eyes and create small scars or blemishes. Blend them naturally for an authentic look.

Conclusion

Becoming Joel Miller from The Last of Us is not just a costume; it's an immersion into the post-apocalyptic world of survival, resilience, and emotional depth. By following our comprehensive guide and incorporating additional tips, you're well-equipped to craft an authentic Joel Miller costume.

Whether you choose to dress up solo, as part of a group cosplay, or alongside an Ellie, your portrayal of Joel will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression at Halloween parties and events. Remember to stay in character, protect those close to you, and exhibit the resourcefulness and determination that define Joel's character.

With the right costume, attitude, and attention to detail, you're ready to embrace the world of The Last of Us and transform into the enigmatic and resilient Joel Miller. So gear up, stay vigilant, and make this Halloween a memorable journey into the post-pandemic world.

5 1 vote
Rate This Guide
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x