Before its second season even airs, HBO has officially renewed The Last of Us for a third season, the network announced today. The early renewal is a huge vote of confidence in the post-apocalyptic saga from creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, whose hauntingly emotional storytelling and brutal world-building helped make Season 1 one of the biggest TV hits of 2023. The series’ second season will premiere this Sunday, April 13, at 9 PM ET on HBO and streaming on Max.
The new season will consist of seven episodes and pick up five years after the Season 1 finale, with Joel and Ellie navigating a world even more dangerous — and their relationship more strained — than before. The returning cast includes Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, and Rutina Wesley as Maria. They’ll be joined by high-profile newcomers Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, and Catherine O’Hara in a guest role.
‘The Last of Us’ Season 3 Will Be “Moving and Extraordinary”
“It can’t be overemphasized how proud HBO is for the outstanding achievement we believe the second season of The Last of Us is,” said Francesca Orsi, EVP of HBO Programming. “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, the show’s co-creator, writer, director, and executive producer added:
“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… We look forward to continuing the story of The Last of Us with season three!”
Neil Druckmann, co-creator and original game developer, echoed the excitement:
“To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me… We’re thrilled to bring you more of The Last of Us!”
The Last of Us Season 2 will premiere this Sunday, April 13, on HBO at 9 PM ET, with streaming of all episodes to follow on Max.
via Collider