Heather Serlana, a former Naughty Dog artist, told KIWI TALKZ in an interview that the team was seriously divided over the killing of the main character. Developers understood that striking a character who became the emotional foundation of the first part would cause a strong reaction. Despite this, the decision was made to take this step, realizing that it would break the strong bond players had with the hero.
According to Serlana, those who disagreed were not in the minority – the studio was almost completely split in half. This internal conflict later reflected in the audience's reaction: from admiration for the bold and uncompromising story to harsh criticism for undermining the original's legacy. At the same time, she noted that thanks to this decision, the story became unforgettable and still sparks discussions even in 2026.
Serlana clarified that she left Naughty Dog due to personal reasons and a move to the East Coast, not because of plot disputes. She remained at the studio long enough to influence key stages of development.