HBO’s The Last of Us Season 3 Set Amid Production Delays

LOS ANGELES, CA — HBO‘s critically acclaimed series, The Last of Us, concluded its second season with a gripping cliffhanger. The finale aired on May 30, 2025, revealing Ellie‘s painful truth about Joel to Dina, while hinting at the significant role Abby will play in Season 3.

After HBO renewed the series on April 9, 2025, co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann confirmed that the upcoming season will explore Abby’s perspective and delve into the conflict with the Seraphites. The show, based on the popular video game, continues to adapt the story from The Last of Us Part II, aiming to connect the narratives of Joel and Ellie with Abby’s journey.

Despite the renewal, fans may face an extended wait. Filming for Season 3 has yet to commence, and current estimates say production might not start until late 2025 or even 2026. Isabela Merced, who plays Dina, noted potential delays could push the season premiere to late 2026 or 2027.

The drastic hiatus between Seasons 1 and 2 was partly due to the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, coupled with the lengthy timeline each season takes from announcement to filming. Analysts have noted a decline in viewership during Season 2, with the finale drawing only 3.7 million viewers, a stark contrast to the Season 1 finale’s 8.2 million.

Mazin emphasized the importance of Abby’s role in the upcoming season, stating, “There is another side to this story we have yet to really delve into.” Fans can expect resolutions to various questions raised in Season 2 as the series continues to unfold the complex narratives within its post-apocalyptic world.

While fans can still watch Seasons 1 and 2 on HBO and Max, the production delay may further impact viewer engagement during the lengthy wait for the next installment.