Summary
The Last of Usseason 2 concluded in May 2025, and now, as fans anticipate the third season, an important member of the team is leaving.
The Last of Usseason 1 was a huge success when it premiered on HBO in January 2023. The story centers aroundEllie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal), a duo who move throughout the United States and attempt to avoid being infected by the Cordyceps fungus. Season 2 introduced new characters such as Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), Jesse (Young Manzino), Dina (Isabel Merced), and Tommy (Gabriel Luna). Unfortunately, ratings dropped in the second season andfans weren’t thrilled with changes to the game’s timeline. There was alsothat big death scene, which fans anticipated but were still stunned by. Now, fans will want to know which creative team member isn’t coming back forThe Last of Usseason 3.
Neil Druckmann Is Leaving Before The Last Of Us Season 3
Neil Druckmann posted on the Instagram account for his company Naughty Dog, and explained that he has departedThe Last of UsTV series. He wrote:
“I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my creative involvement in The Last of Us on HBO."
He added that now that season 2 is done and “before any meaningful work starts on season 3,” it’s “the right time” to shift his attention to his company. He explained that he will keep working there as Head of Creative and Studio Head and will also work onthe upcoming videogameIntergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Tati Gabrielle, who is known for playingJoe Goldberg’s (Penn Badgley) love interest Marienne Bellamy onYouand who also played Nora onThe Last of Us, plays bounty hunter Jordan A. Mun in the game.
Druckmann continued:
“Co-creating the show has been a career highlight. It’s been an honor to work alongside Craig Mazin to executive produce, direct and write on the last two seasons. I’m deeply thankful for the thoughtful approach and dedication the talented cast and crew took to adapting The Last of Us Part I and the continued adaptation of The Last of Us Part II.”
Druckmann developedThe Last of Usgame at Naughty Dog, and Part 1 was released in 2013, with Part II arriving in 2020. Druckmann and Craig Mazin co-created the HBO adaptation and served as showrunners for seasons 1 and 2. Since Druckmann created the haunting and unforgettable world for the game, his departure marks a huge change in the franchise. In recent months, Druckmann commented on many aspects of the second season, includingthe adaptation of Abby’s character arcandthe “wild” tone of the episodes. Mazin has shared his thoughts often as well, including what he thinks aboutfan complaints about the end of Joel’s storyline.
While the series has ahigh Rotten Tomatoes rating of 94%, the 62% rating on the Popcornmeter reflects some of the criticisms that fans have.There is no release date forThe Last of Usseason 3, and it will likely be a while since filming hasn’t started. Although exact plot details are unknown and twists and surprises are likely still in store, fans know thatAbby will be the center point of season 3. At the time of this writing,it’s unclear exactly how much screentime Ellie will get. In an interview withVariety, Bella Ramsey said they think they’ll appear in season 3, but not as much as before. They explained, “I think that I’m going to be there, but not a whole bunch.”
Although as of now, only a third season has been greenlit, Mazin toldColliderhe thinks a fourth season is necessary.
