After an emotional and heart-wrenching finale to its first season, the post-apocalyptic series The Last of Us is back, with season 2 premiering on April 14, 2025. The return of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as Joel and Ellie has sparked excitement among fans eager to see the duo navigate a world ravaged by a zombie outbreak and mysterious epidemic. But as the second season unfolds, fans are already asking — is a season 3 on the horizon? And what can we expect when it arrives?
Season 3: Is It Happening?
Good news for fans: HBO has officially confirmed that a third season of The Last of Us is in the works. This announcement came just days before the release of season 2, as reported by Variety. The first season, based on the beloved 2013 PlayStation game, introduced viewers to the gripping story of survival, love, and loss in a post-apocalyptic world. Now, as season 2 takes us five years forward in the storyline, fans are wondering how much more of the story will be explored.
The second season of The Last of Us is based on the highly successful follow-up game, The Last of Us Part II (released in 2020), and creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have made it clear that the story will not be wrapped up quickly. In an interview with Variety, Mazin shared that he expects the series to run for one or two more seasons before fully covering the events of the second game. “It’s becoming more challenging to continue producing because each episode is more significant than the last,” Mazin explained. “We don’t want to take four years to finish a 17-episode series. The ending will take some time to perfect.”
What Can We Expect from Season 3?
As for the cast, while no specific details have been confirmed, it’s safe to assume that Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) will continue their perilous journey through this harsh, pandemic-ravaged world, unless their characters meet an untimely fate. Fans will likely see new faces join the cast, as each season brings in fresh talent. Season 1 featured performances from Nico Parker, Nick Offerman, and Storm Reid, while the latest season (season 2) introduces Kaitlyn Denver, Young Mazino, Tati Gabrielle, and Catherine O’Hara, who is a standout from the critically acclaimed show Schitt’s Creek.
When Will Season 3 Be Released?
If we follow the pattern set by the previous seasons, with season 1 launching in 2023 and season 2 in 2025, fans can expect season 3 to arrive sometime in 2027. Though there’s still some waiting to be done, the fact that the showrunners are dedicated to creating a satisfying conclusion means it will be worth the wait.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Joel and Ellie?
While it may be a while before we see the conclusion of Joel and Ellie’s journey, the good news is that the series is staying true to its roots — gripping storytelling, emotional depth, and stunning performances. As the world of The Last of Us continues to evolve, season 3 promises to bring even more tension, drama, and unforgettable moments. So, for those already hooked by season 1 and 2, the best is yet to come. Keep your eyes on HBO and Netflix for the thrilling next chapter.
