HBO’s The Last of Us has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping storytelling, emotional depth, and faithful adaptation of Naughty Dog’s iconic video game series. After the intense and heartbreaking events of Season 2, fans are eagerly awaiting The Last of Us Season 3. In this article, we dive into the latest updates on the release date and explore what the story might hold for Ellie, Abby, and the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit.
The Last of Us Season 3 Release Date: What We Know So Far
As of May 2025, HBO has officially renewed The Last of Us for a third season, a decision announced just before the Season 2 premiere on April 13, 2025. However, no official release date has been confirmed yet. Based on the production timelines of the previous seasons, we can make an educated guess.
Season 1 began filming in July 2021, wrapped in June 2022, and premiered in January 2023—a gap of about 18 months from filming to release. Season 2 started production in February 2024, concluded in August 2024, and aired in April 2025, roughly a 14-month turnaround. For Season 3, filming is expected to begin in the summer of 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, under the production title Mega Sword. However, actress Isabela Merced, who plays Dina, mentioned in a May 2025 interview with Variety that filming might not start until 2026.
Given these timelines, industry speculation points to a potential release in late 2026 or early 2027. The gap between seasons has typically been around two years, and factors like post-production, visual effects (with over 3,000 shots in Season 1 alone), and potential industry delays could push the premiere closer to 2027. While fans are understandably frustrated by the wait—evident from posts on X expressing disappointment about the long gap—the show’s creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, are committed to delivering a high-quality season, which may justify the extended timeline.
The Story of The Last of Us Season 3: What to Expect
The Last of Us Season 3 will continue adapting the complex narrative of The Last of Us Part II, the 2020 video game sequel. While Season 2 covered the first half of the game, focusing on Ellie’s journey in Jackson, Wyoming, and her revenge-fueled quest in Seattle after Joel’s tragic death, Season 3 is set to shift perspectives to Abby Anderson, played by Kaitlyn Dever. This narrative pivot, confirmed by actress Catherine O’Hara (who plays Gail in the series) in a May 2025 interview, mirrors the game’s structure, where players switch to Abby’s perspective to explore her backstory and motivations.
Abby’s Story Takes Center Stage
Abby, introduced in Season 2 as the woman responsible for Joel’s death, is a polarizing figure. Her actions stem from a deeply personal loss—Joel killed her father, a Firefly surgeon, to save Ellie in the first game. Season 3 will likely delve into Abby’s time in Seattle, showing her side of the story during the events of Season 2, where Ellie and Dina were hunting her. This perspective shift aims to humanize Abby, making viewers grapple with her motivations and the moral ambiguity of her choices, much like the game did. Expect to see her interactions with her crew, including Owen (Spencer Lord), Nora (Tati Gabrielle), and Mel (Ariela Barer), as well as her conflicts with the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the Seraphites, a cult-like group at war with the WLF.
While the game’s dual-perspective storytelling was controversial among some fans for sidelining Ellie, the show’s creators have emphasized their commitment to staying faithful to the source material while introducing new narrative pathways. Craig Mazin has described Season 3 as “significantly larger” than Season 2, suggesting a deeper exploration of Abby’s arc and possibly more original content, similar to the acclaimed Bill and Frank episode in Season 1.
Ellie and Dina’s Journey
Although Abby will take the spotlight, Bella Ramsey’s Ellie and Isabela Merced’s Dina are expected to return, likely in a reduced but significant capacity. Season 2 left Ellie consumed by her quest for revenge, straining her relationship with Dina and others in Jackson. Season 3 could explore Ellie’s emotional fallout from Joel’s death and her pursuit of Abby, potentially leading to their climactic confrontation from the game’s Seattle segment. The show may also dive deeper into Ellie’s survivor’s guilt and her complex bond with Dina, which blossomed into a romance in Season 2. Flashbacks featuring Joel (Pedro Pascal) are also possible, given their use in Season 2 to provide closure, though Pascal’s role may be limited following his character’s death.
New Characters and Conflicts
Season 3 might introduce characters like Lev and Yara, two Seraphite siblings who play a crucial role in Abby’s story in the game. While there’s no confirmation of their casting yet, their inclusion would add depth to the WLF-Seraphite conflict and Abby’s redemption arc. Jeffrey Wright’s Isaac, a menacing WLF leader, is also expected to return, with the show expanding his role compared to the game. Other returning cast members include Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Young Mazino as Jesse, and possibly Catherine O’Hara as Gail, though her involvement remains uncertain.
A Larger Narrative and Potential Season 4
Craig Mazin has hinted that The Last of Us Part II’s sprawling story may not conclude in Season 3, with a fourth season potentially needed to wrap up Ellie and Abby’s arcs. In the game, the narrative extends beyond Seattle to The Farm and Santa Barbara, where Ellie and Abby’s paths converge again. Mazin has noted that Season 3’s structure allows for “natural perforations” in the story, suggesting opportunities for side narratives or deeper character exploration, unlike Season 2’s intense focus on Joel’s death. This could mean more episodes—possibly nine, compared to Season 2’s seven—to accommodate the game’s remaining plot and new storylines crafted for the show.
Why the Wait Is Worth It
The anticipation for The Last of Us Season 3 is palpable, fueled by the show’s critical acclaim, including 24 Emmy nominations for Season 1 and record-breaking viewership (Season 2’s premiere drew 5.3 million viewers, a 13% increase from Season 1). The shift to Abby’s perspective is a bold move, promising a fresh yet challenging narrative that tests viewers’ loyalties. While the wait until 2026 or 2027 feels long, the meticulous production process—evident in the 18-month visual effects work for Season 1 and filming across stunning locations like Vancouver—ensures a visually and emotionally impactful experience.
Final Thoughts
The Last of Us Season 3 is poised to deliver another heart-wrenching chapter in this post-apocalyptic saga. With a likely release in late 2026 or early 2027, fans can expect a deeper dive into Abby’s story, Ellie’s quest for closure, and the moral complexities that define the series. As Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann continue to balance fidelity to the game with creative expansions, Season 3 promises to be a “significantly larger” installment that keeps us glued to our screens. Until then, rewatching Seasons 1 and 2 on Max or diving into the games might help ease the wait!
