Fans may have to wait a long time for Season 3 of the highly regarded post-apocalyptic television series The Last of Us, which ended its suspenseful second season on a dramatic cliffhanger.
The Season 2 finale featured Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as she broke the foundation of their relationship with Dina (Isabela Merced) by telling her the truth about Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) activities at the Salt Lake City hospital in a moment of terrible honesty.
A significant change in the plot was also hinted at in the episode. The show’s attention shifts to Abby (who will not yet be properly reintroduced in the finale), suggesting that her arc will take centre stage in Season 3, as Jesse (Young Mazino) tends to Dina’s wounds following the turmoil of the previous episode.
Season 3 Verified Days before the release of Season 2, on April 9, 2025, HBO formally renewed The Last of Us for a third season.
With a focus on Abby’s viewpoint and the Seraphite conflict, Season 3 will continue to adapt the events of The Last of Us Part II, according to series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. This includes a new investigation into the group’s beginnings, their elusive prophet, and the motivations of their antagonist, Isaac.
Fans should not anticipate a speedy return to the Cordyceps universe. Season 3 production has not yet started, and current estimates indicate that it might not begin until late 2025 or even 2026.
A release until late 2026 or 2027 is improbable due to production delays, Isabela Merced recently told Variety. The 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes prolonged the lengthy lull between Seasons 1 and 2. It took more than a year for Season 2 to go from announcement to filming, and it took a few more months to finish.
It is anticipated that the next season will explore Abby’s side of the tale in greater detail, which is a contentious decision given her involvement in Joel’s demise.
The narrative change may put viewers’ commitment to the test, even though co-creator Mazin promises an “epic” sequel that re-engages with Joel and Ellie’s journey.
At a virtual press conference, Mazin stated, “There is another side to this story we have yet to really delve into,” while also promising answers to several Season 2 unsolved questions. The series has had a dramatic decline in viewership despite positive reviews.
Analysts speculate that audience attrition may have been exacerbated by Joel’s early death and the show’s shorter seven-episode duration. HBO and Max will still stream Season 3 when it launches, but the postponement may have a greater effect on fan interaction.