The Last of Us Officially Renewed For Season 3 Just Days Before Season 2 Premieres

Major news, even if we all saw it coming: HBO's The Last of Us has officially been renewed for Season 3, less than a week before the premiere of Season 2 on Max.

"It can’t be for nothing," Max revealed via its social media channels on April 9. "Season 3 is coming." A deep red flare is featured burning bright in the bottom corner of a video accompanying the ominous 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 premiered in January 2023 to widespread acclaim, with many considering it the best video game adaptation to date. Season 1 garnered an impressive eight Emmy awards from its 24 nominations. The much-anticipated Season 2 will see the return of Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal as Ellie and Joel, joined by newcomer Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, a soldier driven by revenge after a devastating loss. Season 2 also welcomes a stellar cast including Beef star Young Mazino, Alien: Romulus's Isabelle Merced, Captain America: Brave New World's Danny Ramirez, 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 surrounding Joel's actions: "Was Joel right?" Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann expressed his belief, stating, "I believe Joel was right. If I were in Joel's position, I hope I would be able to do what he did to save my daughter." In contrast, Chernobyl showrunner Craig Mazin offered a different perspective, saying, "That's so interesting, because I think that if I were in Joel's position, I probably would have done what he did. 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 the release date for Season 3 remains undisclosed, fans can look forward to IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 2 for more insights.