"The Last of Us" Season 3 Confirmed Ahead of Season 2 Premiere

Major news, even if it was widely anticipated: HBO's The Last of Us has officially been renewed for Season 3, just days before the premiere of Season 2 on Max.

Max announced the renewal on April 9 via social media, stating, “It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming.” The announcement was accompanied by a video featuring a deep red flare burning brightly in the corner, adding to the ominous tone of the caption.

It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming. #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/q5HxyvK9O6

— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 9, 2025

The Last of Us debuted in January 2023 and quickly garnered widespread acclaim, often being hailed as the best video game adaptation to date. Season 1 earned eight Emmy awards from its 24 nominations. Season 2, eagerly awaited by fans, will feature the return of Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal as Ellie and Joel, with Kaitlyn Dever joining the cast as Abby, a vengeful soldier driven by the loss of a loved one. The ensemble will also include notable newcomers such as Young Mazino from Beef, Isabelle Merced from Alien: Romulus, Danny Ramirez from Captain America: Brave New World, and legends Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Wright.

Recently, series creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann shared their thoughts with IGN on the ongoing debate about Joel's actions, a central theme of the franchise since the game's 2013 release.

“I believe Joel was right,” Druckmann, head of Naughty Dog, stated. “If I were in Joel's position, I hope I would be able to do what he did to save my daughter.” Mazin, however, offered a different perspective. “That's so interesting, because I think that if I were in Joel's position, I probably would have done what he did,” the Chernobyl showrunner said. “But I'd like to think that I wouldn't. That's the interesting push and pull of the morality of it. And that's why the ending of the first game is so provocative and so wonderful. It just doesn't let you off the hook as a player.”

The Last of Us Season 2 is set to premiere on Max on April 13, 2025. While a release date for Season 3 remains undisclosed, fans can look forward to IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 2 for more insights.