The Anticipation Builds for Season Three of "The Last Of Us"
Warning: This article contains major spoilers for season two of The Last Of Us.
It’s now been nearly two months since fans experienced the emotional rollercoaster of the season two finale of The Last Of Us. The post-apocalyptic drama, featuring standout performances by Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, and Kaitlyn Dever, left viewers hanging on a cliff. As we await the next installment, the anticipation and discussions around the series continue to swell.
A Rollercoaster Season Two Finale
The seventh and final episode of season two aired back in May, concluding with a heart-wrenching cliffhanger. Viewers were left grappling with Ellie’s unresolved vendetta after Joel’s brutal murder at the hands of Abby. The emotional stakes couldn’t be higher, setting the stage for intense speculation about where the story will lead in season three.
A Long Wait Ahead
In a recent interview with Variety, HBO content CEO Casey Bloys revealed that fans might have to buckle in for a lengthy wait before the next season hits the screens. "The series is definitely planned for 2027," Bloys disclosed, indicating that a wait similar to that between seasons one and two could be in the cards.
The good news? There’s a possibility that the show’s co-creator and showrunner, Craig Mazin, may choose to expand the narrative beyond the originally planned seasons. According to Bloys, “Craig is still working it out whether it will be two more seasons or one more long season. It hasn’t been decided yet, and I’m following Craig’s lead on that.”
Shifting Perspectives
Season two’s focus on revenge through Ellie’s eyes might shift in season three. Fans are speculating that the next season will explore events from Abby’s perspective, mirroring the narrative structure of the video game sequel on which the series is based.
With Pedro Pascal’s character appearing primarily through flashbacks in the last season, the question arises: could we see less of Ellie in the upcoming installment? Bloys addressed this in the interview, stating that he doesn’t foresee it as a marketing issue. He appreciates narratives that offer different perspectives, suggesting that viewers might find a refreshingly new angle on the familiar story.
Behind-the-Scenes Changes
As the story evolves, so too does the creative team behind it. A significant behind-the-scenes change was announced recently: co-creator Neil Druckmann will step back as co-showrunner, while Halley Gross, executive producer and writer who co-wrote The Last Of Us Part II video game, will also be departing from her daily duties. Gross indicated her decision was to "make space for what comes next," raising questions about the creative direction in the upcoming seasons.
Addressing Druckmann’s departure, Bloys assured fans, "While it was fantastic to have Neil involved, people often don’t realize that Neil has a full-time job creating video games." He reinforced confidence in the direction of the show, thanking Druckmann for providing a solid blueprint and expressing faith in Craig’s expertise.
Celebrated and Acclaimed
Set in a hauntingly beautiful, post-apocalyptic world devastated by a fungus that turns humans into zombie-like creatures, The Last Of Us continues to be a critical darling. This year, the series stands among the frontrunners in Emmy nominations with an impressive 16 nods, underscoring its impact in both storytelling and production quality.
As the dust settles from season two, the question remains: what emotional journeys and dark twists await us in season three? The wait may be long, but the excitement and suspense surrounding The Last Of Us show no signs of fading. With rich character arcs and a gripping storyline, fans are poised for whatever comes next in this unforgettable saga.
