Summary:
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HBO has officially renewed The Last of Us for Season 3 ahead of the Season 2 premiere.
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Filming is set to begin in summer 2025 with a potential 2026 release date.
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Season 3 will continue adapting The Last of Us Part II, with more seasons likely.
HBO Renews The Last of Us for Season 3 Before Season 2 Even Drops
In an unusual—but undeniably bold—move, HBO officially greenlit Season 3 of The Last of Us before Season 2 has even hit the screen. The announcement landed on April 9, 2025, just a handful of days ahead of the April 13 Season 2 premiere. No teaser trailer. No cryptic end-credits reveal. Just a clean, sharp message from the official Max and Naughty Dog accounts: “Season 3 is coming.”
The tagline? “It can be for nothing.” Chilling, huh? Not just a nod to The Last of Us Part II, but also a signal that HBO isn’t just dabbling in this world—it’s committing. The network has placed a firm bet on this post-apocalyptic juggernaut, with pre-production for Season 3 already underway.
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Why Did HBO Renew The Last of Us Season 3 So Early?
HBO’s decision to greenlight a third season before Season 2 even debuts is not business as usual. But this isn’t just any show. It’s The Last of Us—the rare video game adaptation that not only worked but thrived. Critics loved it, audiences stuck around, and Season 2 has already been generating strong reviews (with only a slight 3% drop on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Season 1).
Behind the curtain, HBO appears to be banking on this series as a tentpole franchise. According to Production Bulletin, Season 3 has entered pre-production, with writing, scouting, and concept work all in motion. That early start means a smoother production cycle—and possibly shorter waits between seasons.
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What Have the Creators and HBO Said About Season 3?
Francesca Orsi, HBO’s Executive VP and Head of Drama, didn’t mince words: Season 2, in their view, is a masterstroke. She praised the cast, crew, and showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann for delivering a second season that “can’t be overemphasized” in its achievement. She said,
“It can’t be overemphasized how proud HBO is for the outstanding achievement we believe the second season of THE LAST OF US is. Craig, Neil, Carolyn and the entire executive producer team, cast and crew have delivered a masterful follow-up and we’re thrilled to carry the power of Craig and Neil’s storytelling into what we know will be an equally moving and extraordinary third season.”
Craig Mazin himself echoed the pride, noting that Season 2 exceeded even their “most ambitious goals.” He credited HBO’s support and the cast’s relentless commitment, and said he was excited to “continue the story” in Season 3. In his words:
“We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew. We look forward to continuing the story of THE LAST OF US with season three!”
This isn’t just press-release fluff—it’s a coordinated signal: the team is energized, the story’s far from over, and HBO wants to keep riding this fungal apocalypse train. Co-creator Neil Druckmann said:
“To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans’ enthusiastic and overwhelming support. Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions. On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast, and crew, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We’re thrilled to bring you more of THE LAST OF US!”
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When Will The Last of Us Season 3 Be Released?
While there’s no official airdate just yet, filming for Season 3 is set to begin in summer 2025. That’s shortly after Season 2 finishes its run, which could help maintain momentum with a tighter turnaround.
Production will once again take place in Vancouver, Canada, a location that’s already doubled for the overgrown, haunting beauty of post-outbreak America. With its versatile terrain and veteran crews, Vancouver remains a smart—and visually cohesive—choice.
If all goes according to schedule (no pandemics, strikes, or clickers interfering), a 2026 premiere for Season 3 seems likely. HBO hasn’t confirmed this, but all the pieces point in that direction.
What Will The Last of Us Season 3 Be About?
Season 3 will continue adapting The Last of Us Part II. Showrunners Mazin and Druckmann had previously hinted that the second game’s sprawling, nonlinear story couldn’t be crammed into a single season. They were right. Now, with Season 2 expected to cover only a portion of Part II, Season 3 picks up the narrative baton.
Themes of vengeance, trauma, forgiveness, and that ever-turning wheel of violence will likely remain front and center. The show has remained mostly faithful to the games, with some smart detours and expansions along the way. Expect more of that—a close but not carbon-copy translation that leans into television’s strengths.
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When and Where Can You Watch The Last of Us?
Season 2 of The Last of Us premieres April 13, 2025, on HBO and streaming via Max. Season 3, once completed, will also debut on HBO and Max, continuing the show’s home on the network that helped bring it to life.
With this early renewal and active development already underway, HBO seems keen on making The Last of Us an annual fixture—at least for the next few years.
Source: ScreenRant
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