The Last of Us Season 3 Set for 2027 Release — And It Might Be the Final Chapter

Fans of The Last of Us can now mark their calendars — Season 3 is officially planned for a 2027 release, as confirmed by HBO chief Casey Bloys. While the upcoming season promises new twists and a fresh perspective, it may also mark the end of the critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama.
During a recent interview, Bloys stated that The Last of Us Season 3 is “definitely planned” for 2027. However, whether it will be the final season or if a fourth will follow is still uncertain. Showrunner Craig Mazin is reportedly working out the show’s long-term direction. According to Bloys, “It hasn’t been decided yet, and I’m following Craig’s lead on that.”
A New Era with a New Lead
Season 3 will feature a major casting change, with Kaitlyn Dever stepping into a leading role as Abby. This shift follows the exit of Pedro Pascal’s iconic Joel and a reduced focus on Bella Ramsey’s Ellie. While some fans are skeptical about the changes, Bloys is confident in the show’s continued success, saying, “The title is strong on its own. The fan base from the video game and the first two seasons is loyal and invested.”
Despite the challenges of changing central characters, HBO believes that The Last of Us has matured into a standalone television powerhouse that can carry new storylines without losing its emotional core or audience connection.
Neil Druckmann Exits the Series
Another surprising development is the exit of Neil Druckmann, the original creator of The Last of Us. Druckmann, who played a key role in both the game and TV adaptations, will now return full-time to his work at Naughty Dog, focusing on his next project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
Bloys addressed the shift, saying, “Neil has a full-time job creating video games and running Naughty Dog. I understand why he needs to focus on that. But he has given us a strong foundation, and with Craig Mazin at the helm, I’m not worried at all.”
What’s Next for The Last of Us?
With The Last of Us Season 3 expected to deliver deeper storytelling, expanded world-building, and new emotional arcs, fans have a lot to look forward to. HBO has not confirmed whether this will be the final season, but signs point to a powerful and possibly conclusive ending.
Whether Season 3 wraps up the story or sets the stage for one final run, The Last of Us remains one of the most talked-about shows in recent years. As anticipation builds, it’s clear that the series continues to evolve — pushing boundaries, redefining character-driven drama, and keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Stay tuned for more updates as The Last of Us Season 3 heads toward its much-awaited 2027 premiere.