HBO has shown significant confidence in The Last of Us, renewing the acclaimed drama for a third season well ahead of its second season premiere. Fans now know the story will continue beyond the next batch of episodes.
Here’s the Lowdown: The renewal news comes just before the seven-episode second season begins streaming exclusively on Max in Australia, starting Monday, April 14. Season two picks up five years after the first, following Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they face new dangers and internal conflicts. Returning cast includes Gabriel Luna and Rutina Wesley, joined by newcomers Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, and Jeffrey Wright, among others.
What This Means Now: This early greenlight for season three allows the creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, to plan the narrative arc further in advance. It indicates HBO’s strong satisfaction with the upcoming second season and its belief in the show’s continued audience appeal and critical reception.
The Bigger Picture: The Last of Us, based on the popular video game, received numerous accolades for its first season. HBO executives expressed immense pride in the second season, calling it a “masterful follow-up.” The creators noted their goal was to create something impactful and feel the results surpassed their ambitions, setting the stage for an “equally moving and extraordinary” third season.
