"The Last of Us" Renewed for Season 3 Ahead of Season 2 Premiere

While the news may not come as a surprise to many, it has now been officially confirmed: HBO’s *The Last of Us* has been renewed for Season 3. This announcement arrives just days before the much-anticipated premiere of Season 2 on Max.

Max made the reveal through a dramatic social media post on April 9, teasing what's ahead. “It can’t be for nothing,” the caption read, accompanied by a short video featuring a glowing red flare burning in the corner — a clear nod to the series’ iconic signal fire symbol.

It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming. #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/q5HxyvK9O6

— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 9, 2025

The Last of Us first launched in January 2023 to widespread critical acclaim and was hailed by many as the most successful video game adaptation to date. The show went on to earn an impressive 24 Emmy nominations for its debut season, with eight wins under its belt. Season 2 will see the return of Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal as Ellie and Joel, respectively, while introducing Kaitlyn Dever in a pivotal role as Abby — a determined survivor seeking vengeance after a devastating personal loss. Newcomers Young Mazino, Isabelle Merced, Danny Ramirez, and celebrated actors Catherine O'Hara and Jeffrey Wright also join the cast this season.

In a recent interview with IGN, series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann shared their perspectives on one of the franchise’s most enduring moral debates: “Was Joel right?”

“I believe Joel was right,” Druckmann stated. “If I were in Joel’s position, I hope I would do what he did to save my daughter.” Mazin, however, offered a more nuanced take. “That’s fascinating because if I were in Joel’s shoes, I might have done the same thing — but I’d like to think I wouldn’t. That’s the compelling tension behind the morality of his choice. And that’s exactly why the ending of the original game resonates so deeply. It doesn’t let you off the hook as a viewer or player.”

Season 2 of *The Last of Us* debuts on Max on April 13, 2025. While no official release window has been announced for Season 3 yet, fans can rest assured that more is certainly on the way.

Want to know what to expect from Season 2 without any spoilers? Check out IGN’s full spoiler-free review of *The Last of Us* Season 2 [here].