"The Last of Us Renewed for Season 3 Before Season 2 Premiere"

HBO’s The Last of Us has officially been renewed for Season 3—yes, even before the premiere of Season 2. Max made the announcement on April 9, 2025, just days before the new season debuts. The reveal came via a cryptic social media post featuring a burning red flare and the caption: “It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming.”

It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming. #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/q5HxyvK9O6
— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 9, 2025

Since its debut in January 2023, The Last of Us has become one of the most critically acclaimed series on television. Praised as one of the greatest video game adaptations ever brought to screen, the show earned an impressive 24 Emmy nominations for its first season, winning eight.

Season 2 will continue the journey of Bella Ramsey as Ellie and Pedro Pascal as Joel. Newcomer Kaitlyn Dever joins the cast as Abby, a soldier fueled by vengeance after suffering a devastating personal loss. Additional new faces include Young Mazino, Isabelle Merced, Danny Ramirez, and legendary actors Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Wright.

In a recent interview with IGN, series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann shared their perspectives on one of the franchise’s most debated topics: Was Joel right?

Druckmann, who directed the original game at Naughty Dog, stated clearly, “I believe Joel was right. If I were in his position, I hope I would do what he did to save my daughter.” Mazin offered a more conflicted view: “That’s so interesting because I think if I were in Joel’s shoes, I’d probably do the same thing—but I’d like to think I wouldn’t. That’s the moral push and pull that makes the ending of the first game so powerful. It doesn’t let you off the hook.”

The Last of Us Season 2 arrives on Max on April 13, 2025. While details on Season 3 remain under wraps, fans can rest assured that the story will continue. For more on what to expect from Season 2, check out IGN’s spoiler-free review.