What do you do when you have a post-apocalyptic masterpiece in series form that critics and viewers alike celebrate? Right - you order another season before the next one has even aired. HBO is once again showing its courage and has The Last of Us officially renewed for a third season - even though Season 2 only premieres this Sunday. A leap of faith? Or simply a clever calculation?
More apocalypse, please - HBO sets its sights on a sequel
The series, based on the game of the same name by Naughty Dog, became an absolute hit with its first season. Joel, Ellie, Clicker and co. thrilled an audience of millions who apparently wanted nothing more than to continue traveling through an emotionally charged America riddled with fungal spores. Season 1 was an almost 1:1 retelling of the first game - a gamble that paid off. With The Last of Us Part II showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann now face a completely different challenge: more characters, a more complex story, more moral gray areas - and yes, more fan discussions.
But HBO doesn't seem to be deterred by any of this. The decision to already release Season 3 to confirm nowshows that there is great trust in the creative team - or simply a firm belief that emotional trauma and tragic mushroom romance will continue to bring in good ratings. Does it come as a surprise? Not really, because Season 2 ends disappointingly for some with a cliffhanger.
It can't be for nothing. Season 3 is coming. #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/q5HxyvK9O6
- Max (@StreamOnMax) April 9, 2025When will Season 3 be released? Of course, this is still speculation at the moment. In view of the two-year gap between seasons 1 and 2 and the strike-related delays in 2023, a start at the end of 2026 would be realistic - provided no pandemic doomsday or new waves of strikes intervene this time.
Of fungal spores, trauma and trust
The question of how exactly Season 2 will end also remains interesting - after all, it is known that The Last of Us Part 2 was split into two seasons. This means that Season 3 will cover the second half. Or will it take us into completely new narrative territory? Druckmann and Mazin are still keeping a low profile in this regard, but promise that it will remain very close to the original. Fans can therefore hope that Ellie, Abby & Co. will be shown in all their complexity - including all the tragic decisions that make this franchise so mercilessly unforgettable.
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