The Last of Us Season 3: Renewal status and everything we know about the future of the HBO Show

HBO confirmed that The Last of Us would return for a third season on April 9, 2025, marking a continuation beyond two chapters. This announcement arrived before the premiere of Season 2, highlighting the network’s commitment to adapting the full scope of the video game saga. No exact dates for production or a release window have been announced as of yet.

The writing team has outlined an expanded scope, but scripts are pending

The Last of Us Season 3 (Image via HBO official Website)

Co-creator and showrunner Craig Mazin indicated in an interview with GamesRadar+ in April 2025 that he had not begun drafting scripts for Season 3 and would do so only after Season 2 had fully aired. Earlier, in June 2024, in an interview with Collider, Mazin and co-creator Neil Druckmann suggested that the upcoming season would cover more narrative ground in comparison to the previous, and they even hinted at the possibility of a fourth season. Mazin stated,

"Yeah, and it would take forever. There are natural perforations in the narrative where you can go, 'Okay, let’s tear it here.' I think there’s a decent chance that Season 3 will be longer than Season 2, just because the manner of that narrative and the opportunities it affords us are a little different. The thing about Joel’s death is that it’s so impactful. It’s such a narrative nuclear bomb that it’s hard to wander away from it. We can’t really take a break and move off to the side and do a Bill and Frank story. I’m not sure that will necessarily be true for Season 3. I think we’ll have a little more room there. But certainly, there’s no way to complete this narrative in a third season. Hopefully, we’ll earn our keep enough to come back and finish it in a fourth. That’s the most likely outcome."

The narrative is set to shift toward Abby’s perspective

Sources familiar with the show’s planning have confirmed that Season 3 is likely to mirror The Last of Us Part II video game structure by centering on Abby’s experiences. In a May 2025 interview, Catherine O’Hara, who portrays therapist Gail, described the upcoming season as “the Abby story,” suggesting that viewers will follow her journey within the Washington Liberation Front community and encounter characters such as Isaac in more depth.

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Several principal cast members of The Last of Us are expected to return

Key performers from The Last of Us Seasons 1 and 2 are slated to reprise their roles. Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), and Isabela Merced (Dina) are all anticipated to appear in Season 3.

While the full ensemble has yet to be confirmed, these core actors will continue portraying the characters whose arcs drive the adaptation of the second game’s storyline.

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Production is expected to begin in mid-2025

According to Production Bulletin, principal photography for The Last of Us Season 3 is scheduled to start in June 2025. Although specific locations and working titles have not been officially disclosed, Vancouver, home to previous seasons’ shoots, remains a likely base for filming.

Details such as episode count, shooting schedule, and crew assignments will become available once formal production announcements are released.

The premiere could follow a two-year cycle

If The Last of Us maintains its roughly two-year interval between seasons, the third installment could premiere in early to mid-2027. Some outlets like GamesRadar+ have speculated a 2027 release, based on past filming timelines and post-production requirements. Viewers looking for trailers or promotional materials should look out for HBO and Max updates in late 2026.

Additional details on storylines and guest cast are still under wraps

At present, specific plot arcs beyond Abby’s viewpoint, guest-star announcements, and episode titles remain undisclosed. The creative team is expected to reveal further casting, story developments, and key production milestones after the writing phase concludes.

The Last of Us fans can follow official HBO channels and entertainment news outlets for the latest verified information as it emerges.

Viewers can anticipate updates once formal schedules are announced

HBO has a pattern of sharing teaser clips and release dates approximately six months before premieres. As the writing team formalizes scripts and production gears up, official channels will provide precise dates, promotional images, and episode trailers.

Until then, the community discussion will center on how Season 3 will adapt the remaining sections of The Last of Us Part II and whether the series will extend into a fourth season to complete the narrative.