There was always a question of how much Last of Us we would be getting. Before even a single episode of the show aired, co-creator Craig Mazin was being asked about how many seasons were planned and whether it could go above and beyond the story of the video games. Later, he even floated the idea of a season four, though season two’s structure seemed to suggest a potential end. And now, one of the people who would definitely know has weighed in.
Speaking to Deadline after the Emmys, HBO CEO Casey Bloys said that The Last of Us season three is coming at some point in 2027 and that “I think [showrunner] Craig [Mazin] has planned it as the final season.” Which, of course, is not a definitive statement, but it’s worth noting that Bloys was not as certain of Mazin’s plans as recently as earlier this year. Plus, if Mazin’s boss is under the impression season three is the end, it’s probably the end.
If that is indeed the case, it makes sense on several levels. Season two of The Last of Us adapted the first half of The Last of Us Part II video game and season three is set to do the second half. That game, and the show, split its story between two characters, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) in this season and Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) in the upcoming season. That’s where the game series ends, at least for now. And with game and series creator Neil Druckmann no longer working on the show, adapting that second half of his game seems like a nice way to keep him involved in spirit.
There’s also the simple fact that season two of The Last of Us didn’t light up the world in the way season one did. In large part, that’s probably due to the fact that season one starred one of the biggest movie stars out there, Pedro Pascal, and season two killed him off in an early episode. But Pascal probably wouldn’t have even done The Last of Us at all had that not been built into the DNA of the story. So he giveth and taketh away.
Nevertheless, The Last of Us Part II video game is a hugely satisfying conclusion to the series (which is rumored to continue with a new game at some point), so if Mazin can capture that with season three, it’s better to go out on top. The last thing any of us want is five seasons of wheel-spinning. Three and out feels right.
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