The Last of Us season 3: All the details we have at this point

      The second season of The Last of Us has started off impressively, breaking records for HBO and Max. The premiere episode attracted over 5 million viewers, marking a 13% increase compared to the season 1 pilot. Given the enthusiastic response from fans, the show has already been confirmed for a third season.

      Adapted from the acclaimed video games developed by Naughty Dog, The Last of Us provides a profound exploration of zombie/post-apocalyptic existence. While it has a smaller scope than The Walking Dead, the character development and themes presented in the narrative resonate broadly. The stakes are high for the second season, complicating discussions about season 3, but here’s what we currently know about it.

      What will the third season of The Last of Us focus on?

      Liane Hentscher / HBO

      Since season 2 is still ongoing, predicting the exact content of the third season is challenging. It has been suggested that the second and third seasons will collectively portray the narrative from the second video game in two parts. Fans who have played the game might assume that the latter half of that story will unfold in season 3.

      The intense events at the beginning of season 2 are likely to have significant repercussions in the upcoming season. Abby exacted her revenge on Joel for his role in her father’s death by killing him in front of Ellie, leaving the latter devastated and facing her own quest for vengeance throughout the series. Considering that there may not be any further stories after the third season, it is reasonable to expect a resolution to the conflict between Abby and Ellie then.

      Season 2 has introduced and developed more characters compared to the first season. Jackson, Wyoming, which has served as a central hub for the protagonists, is expected to continue as a key setting throughout the remainder of season 2 and into season 3. This approach is reminiscent of how The Walking Dead utilized locations like Alexandria as central bases for character interactions.

      Who will be cast in season 3 of The Last of Us?

      Liane Hentscher / HBO

      The latter part of The Last of Us: Part II centers on Ellie and Abby. If the series continues to align with the game, audiences should anticipate significant performances from Bella Ramsey and Kaitlyn Dever in the third season. Other returning characters from season 2 likely to be integral to the storyline include Joel’s brother, Tommy (played by Gabriel Luna), Jesse (portrayed by Young Mazino from Netflix’s Beef), and Ellie’s love interest, Dina (played by Isabela Merced). The show has effectively expanded the cast this season rather than solely focusing on Joel and Ellie.

      Pedro Pascal is expected to make an appearance, regardless of his character's outcome. His star power makes it unlikely for him to be omitted, even if he is featured through methods such as dream sequences, flashbacks, or alternative narrative techniques. Joel’s influence on Ellie and Abby will persist throughout the series, even posthumously.

      While the series hasn't featured many prominent guest stars thus far, notable cameos have appeared in the first two seasons. Actors like Catherine O’Hara, Murray Bartlett, and Nick Offerman have impressed in brief roles. With HBO’s substantial budget, another guest star is likely to join for season 3.

      When will the third season of The Last of Us be released?

      Liane Hentscher / HBO

      The first season of the series debuted in January 2023, while the second season commenced in April 2025. The over two-year interval between seasons was worsened by the Hollywood labor strikes in the summer of 2023. With those challenges now resolved, it's anticipated that The Last of Us season 3 will arrive more promptly than the second season did. A little under two years appears to be a realistic timeframe, with the third season expected to debut in early 2027.

      Despite the show’s popularity, fans should temper their expectations regarding its continuation beyond the third season. Up until now, the series has adhered closely to its source material. With the third season set to adapt the latter half of the second game and no further video games available for inspiration, any future seasons would likely deviate from the original storyline. Nevertheless, financial success and viewer ratings frequently drive the creation of additional television content, even in today's creative landscape. If there is sufficient demand for more of this story, HBO may consider making it a reality.