Summary
The Last of Uswill soon return for its third season. However, fans wonder whether there’s more after Season 3 since the upcoming run will cover the second video game and its series creator addressed its fate.
HBO’sThe Last of Usis the live-action adaptation of Naughty Dog’s video game of the same name. It is created by Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin and stars Pedro Pascal,Bella Ramseyand Brendan Rozario. It premiered in January 2023 and the Season 2 is coming up next month. The second season will cover the second video game, so many are wondering whether the TV show will continue after that since there are only two games from the franchise. Druckmann acknowledged this and the uncertainty ofThe Last of Us 3.
Druckmann, the series creator and president ofNaughty Dog, was asked about the fate of theHBOseries. Many are wondering whether they could expect more from the series since they have heard no definite updates about the third game. Druckmann acknowledged the bleak future of the game and admitted that his plans included a “definitive ending” for the show. “I have to have an ending,” Druckmann told IGN. Apparently, this has always been his approach. Druckmann always has an ending in mind when it comes to his works, in case he has no time or chance to continue them, and probably so as not to leave fans hanging. He explained:
When I made The Last of Us 1, I didn’t know if there was going to be a sequel, so that had to be a definitive ending. When I worked on Uncharted 4, I don’t know if we’ll ever get to do it again. I need it to be a definitive ending. Last of Us 2, same way. All these things have to line up.
Druckmann wasn’t sure how long he would continue what he was doing. He was also unsure if there would be an opportunity to do more. “So I leave nothing on the line,” he added. “Right now it’s like, we have an ending in mind. And that ending will be it. That ending will be it for this story.” Considering his statement, it appears that even if Druckman ends the show, there’s still a way to pick it up later because he said the ending was for that particular story.
The Last of Us 3could mean the TV show will have more seasons. However, to fans dismay, there has been no update on whether a third game is in development. Druckmann was asked earlier this month about the game’s future and his response wasn’t promising. According to him, fansshould not bet on it, even saying, “This could be it.” If the game is ending, then there’s nothing to explore for the TV show. However, if showrunners want to extend it, they can definitely do so. But it’s hard to say how committed Druckmann is to the franchise since he couldn’t even confirm another game.
Continuing the TV show beyond the game will surely divide fans. The TV show was inspired by the game and many are waiting for the next game and if the TV show goes beyond it, then many would wonder where it draws its inspiration from. However, the show has solid storytelling and a rich world ready for expansion. Also, HBO has a track record of going beyond the original show, just likeGame of Thrones. So yeah, everything is possible. However, how good it can be depends on the audience’s reception.
The Last of Us Season 2premieres on HBO and Max on June 26, 2025.
