David Farnor | On 10, Apr 2025

HBO has renewed The Last of Us for a third season before the second has even begun to air.

The series is based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name. The Last of Us takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they both must traverse the US and depend on each other for survival.

The cast includes Pedro Pascal as Joel, rising star Bella Ramsey as Ellie. Behind the camera, it’s written and executive produced by Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmann (The Last of Us video game) and is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television and is executive produced by Carolyn Strauss, Evan Wells, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Rose Lam.

Season 2 picks after five years of peace following the events of the first season. When Joel and Ellie’s collective past catches up to them, drawing them into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind. 

Before it has begun airing its seven episodes from Monday 14 April, however, HBO has already greenlit another instalment.

Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, said: “It can’t be overemphasized how proud HBO is for the outstanding achievement we believe the second season of THE LAST OF US is. Craig, Neil, Carolyn and the entire executive producer team, cast and crew have delivered a masterful follow-up and we’re thrilled to carry the power of Craig and Neil’s storytelling into what we know will be an equally moving and extraordinary third season.”
 
Craig Mazin commented: “We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew. We look forward to continuing the story of THE LAST OF US with season three!”
 
Neil Druckmann added: “To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans’ enthusiastic and overwhelming support. Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions. On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast, and crew, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We’re thrilled to bring you more of THE LAST OF US!”

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