HBO's The Last of Us Secures Season 3 Renewal Ahead of Season 2 Premiere

HBO's The Last of Us has been greenlit for a third season, with the announcement coming just days before Season 2’s debut on Max.

“The journey continues,” Max declared on social media on April 9. “Season 3 is confirmed.” The post included a video with a striking red flare glowing in the corner, paired with a cryptic caption.

It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming. #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/q5HxyvK9O6

— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 9, 2025

The Last of Us debuted in January 2023 to widespread praise, often hailed as the finest video game adaptation to date. The first season earned eight Emmy Awards from 24 nominations. Season 2 will feature the return of Bella Ramsey as Ellie and Pedro Pascal as Joel, joined by Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, a vengeful soldier driven by personal loss. The cast expands with Young Mazino from Beef, Isabelle Merced of Alien: Romulus, Danny Ramirez from Captain America: Brave New World, and veterans Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Wright.

Series creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann recently spoke with IGN about the enduring “Was Joel right?” debate, a central theme since the game’s 2013 release.

“I believe Joel’s choice was justified,” said Naughty Dog’s studio head. “In his shoes, I’d hope to do the same to save my daughter.” Mazin, however, offered a nuanced take. “I might have made the same choice as Joel,” the Chernobyl showrunner admitted. “But I’d hope I wouldn’t. That moral tension is what makes the game’s ending so compelling—it forces players to grapple with it.”

The Last of Us Season 2 premieres on Max on April 13, 2025, while Season 3’s release date remains unconfirmed. For more, see IGN’s spoiler-free review of The Last of Us Season 2.