The Last Of Usseason 3 is now confirmed. Based on Naughty Dog’s acclaimed video game franchise of the same name, the hit HBO series premiered in 2023, introducing Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, two survivors trekking across the U.S. following a deadly fungal outbreak. Season 1 was acclaimed and a major viewership success andThe Last of Usseason 2is now only days away from premiering on HBO, with early reviews praising the show’s seven new episodes.
With the April 13 season 2 premiere now only days away, HBO reveals thatThe Last of Uswill return for season 3. There’s no word yet, however, on how many episodes the new season will consist of or when it may release. Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, shared the following statement about the renewal, praising the acclaimed series' sophomore outing:
“It can’t be overemphasized how proud HBO is for the outstanding achievement we believe the second season of THE LAST OF US is. Craig, Neil, Carolyn and the entire executive producer team, cast and crew have delivered a masterful follow-up and we’re thrilled to carry the power of Craig and Neil’s storytelling into what we know will be an equally moving and extraordinary third season.”
Co-creator Craig Mazin shared his comment on the renewal, expressing thanks to HBO and excitement about continuing the series:
“We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew. We look forward to continuing the story of THE LAST OF US with season three!”
Finally, co-creator Neil Druckmann addressedThe Last of Usseason 3 as well, thanking Mazin and the fans for supporting the show:
“To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans' enthusiastic and overwhelming support. Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions. On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast, and crew, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We’re thrilled to bring you more of THE LAST OF US!”
What This Means For The Last Of Us
The HBO Show’s Future Explained
TheacclaimedThe Last of Usseason 1adapts the entirety of Naughty Dog’s debut video game in the series, with Joel and Ellie ending the season in essentially the same place as their game counterparts. Naughty Dog’s sequel game,The Last of UsPart II,serves as the basis for season 2 of the HBO show, but the sophomore outing adapts only a portion of this story. Both Mazin and Druckmann have been open about the fact that telling the story of the sequel video game will take multiple seasons.
The Last Of Us Seasons 2, 3 & 4 Plans: What It All Means
The Last of Us creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have thought about the show’s future, but what do their plans for seasons 2, 3, and 4 mean?
It’s notable that the season 3 renewal does not feature a confirmation that it will be the last season. In a recent interview withEW, Mazin says of the show’s future: “I think it’s pretty likely that our story will extend past a season 3,” though he also reveals that he’s not entirely sure how many seasons there will be. WithThe Last of Usseason 2 reviews already earning the sophomore outing a glowing 92% onRotten Tomatoes, the new episodes are poised to continue the show’s viewership success, suggesting a promising future beyond the announced season 3.
One thing that has been made clear, however, is that Mazin and Druckmann, the latter of whom also wrote the video game source material, will not be taking the show beyond the events ofThe Last of Us Part II.“I am not going to go past the game,“Mazin toldThe Hollywood Reporter, “I’ll just say that flat out.”
Druckmann recently addressed the chances of aThe Last of Us Part IIIgame, tellingVarietythat it may not happen: “I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more of [The] Last of Us. This could be it.”
Our Take On The Last Of Us Season 3
Why Future Seasons Could Be Controversial
The response to HBO’sThe Last of Ushas been stellar so far, making it no surprise that another season has been given the green light. Clearly, this is a show that is resonating with critics and general audiences.The Last of Us' castis one reason for this, but the writing, production design, and action are also top-notch. If it follows the same pattern as season 2, however, season 3 may not arrive until 2027, which would mean another long wait for viewers.
With Mazin and Druckmann at the helm,The Last of Usseason 3 is sure to feature all the best parts of the show once more.The sequel video game does feature some divisive storytelling decisions and characters, however, meaning that seasons 2, 3, and beyond could end up being more divisive than the debut installment, at least with general audiences. While many questions remain about the story to come inThe Last of Usseason 3, fans can, at the very least, rest assured that more episodes are on the way.
The Last of Usseason 2 premieres on Sunday, April 13 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
The Last Of Us
Cast
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic drama series set two decades after a global catastrophe. It follows Joel, a seasoned survivor, who is tasked with escorting Ellie, a teenage girl, across a desolated United States, transforming into a harrowing journey of survival and companionship.
