Neil Druckmann Squashes Hopes for The Last of Us Part 3

LOS ANGELES, CA — Fans of The Last of Us may have to put their hopes on hold, as series creator Neil Druckmann indicated that a third installment of the critically acclaimed video game is unlikely to happen. In a recent interview, Druckmann addressed questions about The Last of Us Part 3 while primarily discussing the upcoming second season of the HBO adaptation.

“I was waiting for this question,” Druckmann sighed before delivering a blunt message: “I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more of The Last of Us. This could be it.” His comments arrive after the significant success of The Last of Us Part 2, which was released in 2020 and garnered both critical acclaim and controversy.

The remarks left many fans pondering the future of Joel and Ellie, given that the second game concluded with a strong narrative that gave closure to key story arcs. Naughty Dog, the studio behind the franchise, is currently focused on developing a new game titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, as revealed at The Game Awards in December 2024.

Druckmann emphasized that the creation of a sequel would depend heavily on the team’s ability to craft a compelling story. “If we can come up with a compelling story that has this universal message and statement about love — just like the first and second game did — then we will tell that story. If we can’t come up with something, we have a very strong ending with Part 2 and that will be the end,” he stated.

Fans eager for more from The Last of Us universe can still look forward to the TV series, which is adapting Part 2 into multiple seasons. Druckmann acknowledged that it is still unclear how many seasons the show will ultimately comprise, but co-showrunner Craig Mazin indicated that four seasons may be the ideal length.

As the television adaptation continues to evolve, Pressures from fans and expectations may still prompt some developments. However, for now, Druckmann’s declarations cast a shadow over the possibility of another game, leaving fans in uncertainty.

The Last of Us Season 2 is set to premiere on April 13 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, marking the next chapter in this beloved narrative, while fans wait to see how the story unfolds.