For fans eagerly awaiting news of The Last of Us Part 3, series creator Neil Druckmann has delivered a disheartening update. In a recent interview with Variety, primarily focused on the TV series, Druckmann effectively shut down speculation about a potential third game. When asked about Part 3, he sighed and stated, "I was waiting for this question. I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more of ‘Last of Us.’ This could be it.”
Whether or not to believe Druckmann is a matter of personal interpretation. Naughty Dog is currently deeply involved in the development of Intergalactic, announced at The Game Awards 2022, a project likely years from release given the absence of a concrete release window. This suggests the studio’s resources are fully committed elsewhere, making a Part 3 improbable in the near future. Druckmann's statement could be strategic ambiguity, a reluctance to commit, or a genuine indication that the story is concluded. Only time will tell.
However, for those still craving more Last of Us experiences, the second season of the HBO Max television series premieres April 13th. While Druckmann remains uncertain about the total number of seasons, an HBO executive hinted at a four-season run in February.