Neil Druckmann Steps Away from HBO Series The Last of Us

Los Angeles, CA — Neil Druckmann, co-creator of HBO‘s hit series The Last of Us, announced he is stepping away from his creative role in the series. In a statement released on July 2, Druckmann expressed his decision to focus entirely on his work at Naughty Dog, where he aims to write and direct upcoming projects such as the new game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

“I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my creative involvement in The Last of Us on HBO,” Druckmann said. “With work completed on Season 2 and before any meaningful work starts on Season 3, now is the right time for me to transition my complete focus to Naughty Dog and its future projects.”

Druckmann co-created the series alongside Craig Mazin, known for his work on the acclaimed series Chernobyl. The first season of The Last of Us received critical acclaim upon its debut in 2023, while the second season premiered earlier this year.

Halley Gross, who co-wrote The Last of Us Part II and served as an executive producer and writer for the HBO adaptation, also announced she will be stepping back from the series. “With great care and consideration, I’ve decided to take a step back from my day-to-day work on HBO’s The Last of Us to make space for what comes next,” Gross stated.

Mazin commented on Druckmann’s departure, saying, “It’s been a creative dream to work with Neil. I couldn’t have asked for a more generous creative partner.” He confirmed that he will continue to lead the series moving forward.

Druckmann will retain his credit as an executive producer on The Last of Us and looks forward to the continuation of the series. He remains a key figure in its development, even as he shifts focus to his new projects at Naughty Dog. No specific release date has been announced for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, but more details are expected soon.