In a thrilling announcement for fans of the acclaimed series, HBO confirmed on April 9, 2025, that The Last of Us will return for a third season. This news comes just days before the highly anticipated premiere of the second season, set to debut on April 13, 2025, on the MAX streaming platform.
In a teaser shared via social media, HBO declared, "It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming," signaling the continuation of the gripping narrative based on the popular video game. The show, which has garnered significant acclaim since its debut in January 2023, is recognized as one of the best adaptations of a video game to date.
The second season will consist of seven episodes, following the storyline of The Last of Us: Part II, which takes place five years after the events of the first season. The series will delve into the lives of Joel and Ellie as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangers, including monstrous creatures transformed by a deadly pandemic.
Craig Mazin, the series co-creator, has previously hinted at the expansive nature of the story, stating, "There will undoubtedly be a third season. And possibly a fourth. Whatever is necessary to tell the story well. HBO gives us the freedom to do what we want. It’s great." This suggests that the adaptation of the second video game will unfold over multiple seasons, allowing for a deeper exploration of its themes and characters.
As for the cast, fans can expect to see the return of beloved actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, reprising their roles as Joel and Ellie, respectively. Joining them are Gabriel Luna and Rutina Wesley, who will return as Tommy and Maria. New faces include Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, and Ariela Barer as Mel. Notably, Catherine O'Hara will also appear as a guest star in the second season.
The first season was a massive success, receiving 24 Emmy nominations and winning eight awards, a testament to its quality and the dedication of its cast and crew. The finale aired in March 2023, attracting 8.2 million viewers across HBO Max and linear broadcasts, making it the most-watched series in HBO Max history in Europe and Latin America.
As the narrative unfolds, the second season promises to be intense and emotionally charged, with Mazin emphasizing that viewers can expect "romance, pain, and fear, but above all, we will try to offer what we have always done: a story about a community in its struggle for identity and what we do when we try to protect those we love."
The official synopsis for the second season reveals that Joel and Ellie will face new conflicts in a world that has become even more unpredictable and dangerous. The series aims to maintain its weekly release format, with episodes airing every Sunday at 8:00 PM in Mexico, starting with the first episode on April 13.
While the specific release date for the third season remains unknown, reports suggest that it is already in pre-production, with filming expected to commence in the summer of 2025. Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President of HBO Programming, expressed her excitement for the upcoming season, stating, "We are excited to bring Craig and Neil's powerful narrative to a third season that we know will be just as emotional and extraordinary."
In summary, the announcement of a third season for The Last of Us not only reassures fans of the franchise's future but also sets the stage for an ambitious storytelling journey that could extend beyond the third season, potentially reaching four seasons to fully capture the essence of the source material. With the second season just around the corner, anticipation is high for what lies ahead in this gripping saga.
