After a long wait, the much-anticipated season 2 of The Last of Us has finally premiered on the streaming platform Max. Based on the acclaimed video game developed by Naughty Dog, this new chapter promises to be darker, more intense, and emotionally charged than its predecessor. Fans are eager to dive back into the post-apocalyptic world where Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) navigate their survival amidst the remnants of humanity ravaged by a mutant fungus.
So, where can viewers in France catch the latest episodes? With the arrival of Max in France, all HBO content, including The Last of Us, is now exclusively available through this service. Unlike the first season, the second season is not accessible on Prime Video, even with the Warner Pass. To keep up with the new episodes, viewers have a few options:
- Subscribe directly to Max, with plans starting at €5.99/month (with ads) or €9.99/month (ad-free).
- Access Max through myCANAL, which offers the entire Max catalog for subscribers.
- Add Max to your Prime Video subscription as an additional channel.
The release of season 2 kicked off with the first episode airing during the night of April 13-14, 2025, at 1 AM French time, coinciding with its U.S. debut. Following this, new episodes will be released weekly according to the following schedule:
- Episode 1: "Future Days" - April 14
- Episode 2 - April 21
- Episode 3 - April 28
- Episode 4 - May 5
- Episode 5 - May 12
- Episode 6 - May 19
- Episode 7 (season finale) - May 26
All episodes will be available in both original version with subtitles (VOST) and dubbed version (VF) upon release.
What can viewers expect from season 2? The story picks up five years after the events of the first season, with Joel and Ellie now residing in Jackson, Wyoming, a relatively stable community. However, their fragile peace is shattered by a brutal event that propels the narrative into darker territories. This season delves into heavy themes such as revenge, grief, moral dilemmas, and the irreversible consequences of choices made in a world still ravaged by the Cordyceps infection.
The cast remains strong, featuring returning favorites Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie), alongside new characters that enrich the storyline:
- Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
- Isabela Merced as Dina
- Young Mazino as Jesse
- Danny Ramirez as Manny
- Ariela Barer as Mel
- Tati Gabrielle as Nora
- Spencer Lord as Owen
- Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
- Catherine O'Hara as Gail
HBO has also confirmed that a third season is already in the works, with production set to begin in the summer of 2025. This upcoming season will adapt the storyline from The Last of Us: Part II, ensuring that fans have much to look forward to in the coming years.
Craig Mazin, the creator of the series, has directed the first episode of season 2, setting the tone for the rest of the season. In a recent interview, he discussed the evolution of the infected, noting that they have become a more direct threat and will play a larger role compared to their portrayal in the first season. He explained, "I’ve always loved the infected! As a gamer, it’s always been exciting to navigate around them. In season 1, we were cautious in how we represented them on screen. Our main goal was to ensure they didn’t look ridiculous, so viewers could always remember they were once people. In season 2, we see that the infected have changed and evolved, becoming a more significant threat. The infected are a bit like the weather: we know bad weather will come at some point, but we don’t know when or how severe it will be. But when it hits…
As viewers settle into the new season, they will witness the characters grappling with the fallout of their previous choices. The dynamic between Joel and Ellie has shifted dramatically, with the bond that once defined their relationship strained by secrets and unspoken tensions. This new season promises to explore deeper emotional landscapes, as Ellie, now 19, navigates her feelings for Dina while dealing with the complexities of her relationship with Joel.
Moreover, the first episode serves as an exposition, reintroducing the characters and setting the stage for the chaos that is to follow. While it may start off at a slower pace, viewers can expect the series to ramp up quickly, leading to a frenetic and thrilling narrative as the season progresses.
In summary, The Last of Us season 2 is set to deliver an emotional and gripping experience for both fans of the game and newcomers alike. With its premiere on April 14, 2025, viewers are encouraged to prepare their subscriptions to Max and brace themselves for an unforgettable journey filled with heart-wrenching moments and intense drama. The series continues to push boundaries, and with a third season already confirmed, the story of Joel and Ellie is far from over.
