Curious when HBO will release The Last of Us Season 3 after Season 2’s dramatic finale? With Abby and Ellie’s story just beginning to unfold and major plotlines from the game left untouched, fans are eager to know when the next chapter will arrive. Although HBO has confirmed a third season, production delays have pushed expectations further.
Here’s what we know so far about The Last of Us Season 3’s release date, cast, plot, and future.
When could The Last of Us Season 3 get its release date?
As of May 2025, HBO has not announced a release date for The Last of Us Season 3. However, Isabela Merced, who plays Dina, told Variety on May 4 that filming is expected to begin next year: “I think it should be next year.”
Given this timeline, Season 3 is unlikely to premiere before 2027. Season 2 began filming in February 2024 and premiered in April 2025, suggesting a similar production schedule may apply to Season 3.
Who is in The Last of Us Season 3’s cast so far?
HBO has yet to release an official cast list for Season 3, but returning characters likely include Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Danny Ramirez (Manny), and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac).
Pedro Pascal’s character, Joel, died in Season 2. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have not confirmed if he will reappear via flashbacks or other storytelling methods.
What do we know about The Last of Us Season 3’s plot so far?
Season 3 will continue the storyline from The Last of Us Part II, focusing on Abby’s arc in Seattle and her confrontation with Ellie. Catherine O’Hara confirmed she would not return, saying, “It’s the Abby story” (via Variety).
Mazin also teased further development in the Abby–Owen dynamic and Ellie–Dina relationship. He said, “It will always be centering somebody, whether it’s Ellie and Dina, or whether it’s Abby and Abby’s relationship with Owen” (via TV Line).
Will The Last of Us Season 3 be the last one?
Showrunner Craig Mazin stated Season 3 will not complete the story. In a May 2025 interview with Collider, he said, “There’s no way to complete this narrative in a third season,” and added there’s a “decent chance” of a Season 4 renewal.
Season 1 covered the first game, while Seasons 2 and 3 explore The Last of Us Part II, which will likely span multiple seasons.
