Fans of HBO’s hit series “The Last of Us” are buzzing with anticipation as they await news about the show’s third season. The excitement intensified following the conclusion of season two on May 25, when co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed that the post-apocalyptic drama, featuring Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced, would indeed return for another season.
In a recent interview with Variety, HBO’s content CEO Casey Bloys shed light on the future of the series, suggesting that fans might need to exercise some patience. “The series is definitely planned for 2027,” Bloys stated, providing a glimpse into the timeline for the next installment. He further elaborated on the direction of the show, indicating that there are discussions about whether to produce two more seasons or a single extended season. “It hasn’t been decided yet, and I’m following Craig’s lead on that,” he added.
The renewal of “The Last of Us” for a third season was officially announced ahead of the much-anticipated season two premiere, with multiple outlets confirming the news on April 9. This announcement was accompanied by a statement from Mazin, who expressed his commitment to creating a season that fans would be proud of.
Adding to the intrigue is the recent news that co-creator Neil Druckmann will be stepping back from his creative role in the series. In a statement released through his video game company, Naughty Dog, on July 2, Druckmann explained his decision to focus on future projects at Naughty Dog, which developed the original “Last of Us” video games. “I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my creative involvement in The Last of Us on HBO,” he stated, emphasizing the timing as an opportunity for him to transition his focus.
Bloys praised Druckmann’s contributions to the series, which garnered an impressive 16 Emmy nominations when the 2025 nominees were announced. “It was fantastic to have Neil involved,” Bloys noted, acknowledging the significant responsibilities Druckmann carries as the head of Naughty Dog. “I believe he’s given us a good blueprint with the show. And obviously Craig is a pro, so I think we’ll be in excellent shape. I’m not worried at all.”
Druckmann’s departure came as a surprise to many fans, especially since he had previously indicated his enthusiasm for continuing with a third season. In an earlier statement, he expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans, highlighting the collaborative efforts that contributed to the series’ success.
In the same interview, Bloys addressed the potential challenges of continuing the story without the character Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, who was killed off in season two. He reassured fans that the narrative is well-established, thanks to the original video games and the first two seasons of the show. “I kind of appreciate shows that take things and do a show from a different point of view,” he remarked, hinting at the creative possibilities ahead.
As fans eagerly await the arrival of “The Last of Us” season three, they can catch up on the first two seasons, both of which are available for streaming on HBO Max. The series continues to be a significant part of the cultural conversation, and with the future of the show now in discussion, viewers have much to look forward to in the coming years.