Neil Druckmann Says There’s a 'Dramatic Reason' Spores Are Back for The Last of Us Season 2

The Last of Us Season 2 showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin have exciting news for fans: "spores are back" after their notable absence in Season 1. This thrilling development was teased in the latest trailer for the upcoming HBO series, which you can watch below. In the trailer, Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, encounters an infected character whose breath visibly releases spores, hinting at the return of this iconic element from the original game.

You can’t stop this. #TheLastOfUs returns April 13 on Max. pic.twitter.com/DH8UzAugIV

— Max (@StreamOnMax) March 8, 2025

Warning! Spoilers for The Last of Us Season 1 follow.