https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/14/17464810/the-last-of-us-2-e3-2018-trailer-ellie-joel-playable

The Last of Us Part 2 developer Naughty Dog stirred waters with remarks in a closed-doors presentation of its game at E3, suggesting that Joel, the protagonist of the original game, will not be a playable character in the sequel.

IGN reported today that The Last of Us Part 2 creative director Neil Druckmann told the audience in the private presentation that “Ellie is the only playable character in the game.”