According to Comicbook, absence will hopefully make the heart grow fonder as The Last Of Us will experience a longer lead time between seasons. Casey Bloys, chairman of HBO and Max content, told Variety that the premiere of Season Three is still years away. Season two ended with a massive cliffhanger, but the show will likely need restructuring following the departure of co-creator Neil Drukman (Uncharted, The Last Of Us). The show’s second season garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning 15 Emmy nominations.

Via Comicbook, Bloys said he and the series’ other co-creator, Craig Mazin (Chernobyl, Mythic Quest), are currently eyeing 2027 for a premiere date. “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” Bloys stated. The undetermined season count may indicate uncertainty, as previously the creative team indicated that there would be four seasons. 

Via Comicbook, “Obviously, it was great to have Neil involved in the beginning,” Bloys stated about the mind behind the original game. Still, he remains undeterred about the series’ hopes for future success. Bloys’ exuded confidence when speaking about the writer still left on board, Craig Mazin. The whole reason that I wanted to do Last Of Us is after Chernobyl, I said to Craig, ‘what do you want to do next?‘ And Last Of Us was what he wanted to do. It was fantastic to have Neil involved. A lot of people don’t realize that Neil has a full-time job creating video games and running Naughty Dog. It’s a really big job that he’s got. So I understand why he needs to focus on that. But I believe he’s given us a good blueprint with the show. And obviously Craig is a pro, so I think we’ll be in excellent shape. I’m not worried at all.“ 

Comicbook reports that Season three will undergo a shift in narrative that has been polarizing to fans. It will follow Kaitlyn Denver’s (Booksmart, Unbelievable) Abby Anderson as they flashback to events in Seattle involving the Washington Liberation Front. Ellie will be left on the sidelines as Mazin and company attempt to provide context for Abby’s vendetta against Joel in season two.

According to Comicbook, Mazin remains committed to the vision of The Last Of Us: Part II and believes experiencing the perspective of Joel’s killer holds crucial thematic importance. Season three is expected to provide new information about the war between the WLF and the Seraphites. This worldbuilding will hopefully create a deeper understanding of the cycle of violence within The Last Of Us as it approaches its conclusion.