Naughty Dog Teases More The Last of Us Games After HBO Season 3

With HBO’s The Last of Us adaptation set to conclude in 2027 and Naughty Dog hard at work on its next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the future of the franchise remains uncertain. Series co-creator Neil Druckmann has offered hope in a new interview, stating that Naughty Dog is not done with the post-apocalyptic series just yet.

“Naughty Dog is still the steward of this IP,” Druckmann told The Washington Post, “and even though this might be the end of this adaptation, we’re not done with The Last of Us.” This marks the closest thing to an official update on the series since Naughty Dog canceled The Last of Us Online at the end of 2023 following a troubled development cycle. Druckmann teased that multiple projects are in the works and that Naughty Dog will share more information when the time is right. Studio updates likely arrive after Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet launches.

Regarding the HBO show’s final season, Druckmann distanced himself from the production. “I wasn’t involved in shaping this season’s creative direction,” he said, “Naughty Dog did not have a creative role in the direction of the season. So I can’t personally speak to how production is progressing.” Season 3 is slated for release next year and focuses on Abby’s story from the second game.

What could The Last of Us Part 3 be about?

Druckmann gave no details about the plot of the next game, but the conclusion of The Last of Us Part 2 leaves room for several possibilities. Ellie’s story has space to continue. Viewed through the lens of traditional Greek tragedy, Ellie still needs to undergo a third act. The previous game left her at a low point, meaning a sequel could allow Ellie to achieve a semblance of a happy ending. Alternatively, a third installment could leave Ellie behind entirely to follow Abby and Lev as they search for the Fireflies.

The next title might not even be The Last of Us Part 3. The universe contains enough room for self-contained stories that Naughty Dog may choose to introduce fresh characters. The canceled multiplayer game took the franchise to San Francisco, proving the studio explored original narratives within the same universe. Given the polarizing reaction to The Last of Us Part 2, a new direction might prove beneficial.

Source: Polygon