Fans all over the world are thrilled that HBO‘s critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama THE LAST OF US has been picked up for a third season. Since the last episode of Season 2 aired on May 25, many people are already looking forward to the next part of the show. Here’s all the latest news, including information on the renewal, when Season 3 of THE LAST OF US will come out, and what fans can look forward to.
HBO RENEWS THE LAST OF US FOR SEASON 3
The Last of Us was picked up for a third season on April 9, 2025, before the start of Season 2. The decision wasn’t a surprise, given how popular the show is still, how well it’s doing with critics, and how involved viewers are with it.
HBO’s Executive Vice President, Francesca Orsi, said in a statement that the network had a lot of faith in the creative team: “Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have delivered a masterful follow-up with Season 2, and we’re thrilled to carry the power of their storytelling into a third season.”
“We look forward to continuing the story of THE LAST OF US with Season Three!” Craig Mazin also expressed his excitement. Neil Druckmann, who helped make the show, agreed and told fans that there’s still a lot more to come.
THE LAST OF US FOR SEASON 3 RELEASE DATE
When does Season 3 of The Last of Us start? HBO hasn’t said when the show will be available, but we can look at when it was released in the past to get an idea.
The first season began in early 2023. Beginning filming in February 2024 and ending in August 2024, Season 2 didn’t come out until April 2025, more than two years after Season 1. If things keep going the same way, Season 3 might start filming in 2026 and might air in early 2027.
It’s common for shows with big budgets and lots of production work to take a long break between seasons. Sets with lots of small details, long location shoots, and visual effects are needed to make the world feel real.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE LAST OF US SEASON 3
Season 2 ended on a dramatic note, with a cliffhanger that left viewers with many questions. The final episode, titled “Convergence,” ended with a gunshot and a mysterious title card: “Seattle Day One.”
This signals a narrative shift — a move away from Ellie’s (played by Bella Ramsey) perspective to a new storyline focused more on Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever). This structure mirrors the 2020 video game The Last of Us Part II, which the show faithfully adapts.
Mazin has hinted that Season 3 will be “significantly bigger” than previous installments, and possibly even spread across more than one additional season. That’s because the source material covers a lot of ground, and the story becomes even more complex.
ELLIE’S FATE AFTER THE FINALE
Despite the shocking ending, showrunner Craig Mazin has confirmed that Ellie is not dead. She survived the encounter with Abby, just as she does in the video game. Her journey is far from over.
Mazin explained that the show wants to explore the moral complexity of each character. “This story is about the flawed concept of heroes and villains. The idea of who’s right and who’s wrong is not always clear.”
He added, “Abby is the hero of her story. Whether it’s Ellie and Dina, or Abby and Owen, the narrative will continue to challenge viewer perception.”
ABBY TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT
Season 3 will likely focus more heavily on Abby’s journey, beginning from the “Seattle Day One” point seen in the finale. The creators have made it clear they plan to continue switching perspectives to deepen the story.
Key moments from the Season 2 finale — including the deaths of Jesse (played by Young Mazino) and Mel (played by Ariela Barer) — will have significant consequences for Season 3. Ellie’s emotional response to these events will drive her actions moving forward.
Mazin pointed out how Ellie’s pursuit of revenge has already led her to face unimaginable losses. And her choices, as well as her inability to restrain herself, will play a huge part in her Season 3 arc.
EXPECT RETURNING CAST MEMBERS
Alongside Bella Ramsey and Kaitlyn Dever, fans can expect the return of several other characters, including:
Isabela Merced as Dina, Ellie’s love interest
Spencer Lord as Owen, Abby’s former partner
Potential new characters from the second half of the video game’s story
Though Pedro Pascal’s Joel died in Season 2, he may still appear in flashbacks, similar to how the game handled his presence.
THE FUTURE BEYOND SEASON 3
According to the creators, the story told in The Last of Us Part II may extend beyond Season 3 and into a potential Season 4. Given how dense and emotional the source material is, this extended storytelling approach ensures that the narrative isn’t rushed.
Fans can expect a lot more emotional turmoil, difficult choices, and character development in future episodes. The creators have made it clear they are dedicated to respecting the source material while enhancing it through television storytelling.
WHEN WILL TRAILERS DROP?
It’s still far too early for a trailer or teaser, but if production starts in 2026, we might get a first look in late 2026 or early 2027. Until then, fans can revisit the first two seasons and speculate on how closely the adaptation will follow the game.
Stay tuned with tvacute.com for all the latest updates on THE LAST OF US.
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