The highly anticipated third season of The Last of Us has hit a roadblock, with filming now slated for 2026 and a potential release in 2027. Despite the delay, fans can expect the emotional journey of Ellie and Abby to continue on HBO.
HBO's The Last of Us, a thrilling post-apocalyptic drama series based on Naughty Dog's highly acclaimed video game, has enthusiasts waiting for Season 3 in anticipation. After Season 2 premiered on April 13, 2025, there were rumors of delays circulating, with the rumored reason being a delayed start to filming in late 2026 and thus an expectation of a 2027 release.
This article discusses the reasons for the possible delay, the anticipated timeline, cast information, and what is next for Ellie and Abby's story, based on recent news.
HBO announced The Last of Us Season 3 on April 9, 2025, ahead of Season 2's premiere, a sign of robust faith in the show. Production will start in Vancouver, British Columbia, during summer 2026, with the working title Mega Sword. In contrast to Season 2, which had its production postponed due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes, Season 3's schedule looks set, but the hiatus between seasons is considerable.
Production on Season 2 took 14 months from filming to broadcast, which indicates the same timeframe for Season 3. With filming set to start in June 2026 and wrap up in early 2027, The Last of Us Season 3 is expected to premiere in late 2027, likely around October.
Some news and opinions, including from cast member Isabela Merced, back this up, though some sources say an early 2026 release is ambitious. The complicated post-production, with more than 250 visual effect shots per episode, is part of the reason.
A number of reasons account for the pushed schedule. The scope of The Last of Us has increased, with Season 3 being ‘significantly larger’ than Season 2, according to showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.
Translating the expansive The Last of Us Part II involves careful planning, particularly since Season 2 only adapted half of the game's narrative. Every episode, which costs approximately $10 million, necessitates heavy visual effects, set design, and location shooting, especially in the dystopian Vancouver landscapes.
The 2023 strikes pushed back Season 2, establishing a trend for conservative scheduling. HBO does not want another extended wait, but the show's ambition, on par with The Empire Strikes Back in storytelling, requires patience. Mazin has suggested there could be a fourth season, and the story's complexity could extend beyond 2027, which again warrants a balanced pace to preserve quality.
Season 3 finds Bella Ramsey again as Ellie, struggling with the emotional consequences of Season 2's happenings. Kaitlyn Dever once again appears as Abby, whose storyline becomes front and center, expanding upon her contentious debut. Gabriel Luna and Isabela Merced reprise their turns as Tommy and Dina, respectively, while Young Mazino returns as Jesse.
Supporting cast members include Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Ariela Barer as Mel, all of whom are connected to Abby's group. Guest stars such as Catherine O'Hara, who plays therapist Gail, might return in flashbacks.
Without Pedro Pascal's Joel, after his character's demise in Season 2, episode 2, the focus will now be on Ellie and Abby's conflict. Flashbacks of Joel can still happen, considering the show's non-linear approach. The chemistry of the cast, commended by Season 2's 92% Rotten Tomatoes rating, will propel the emotional impact of the narrative.
Season 3 will keep following The Last of Us Part II adaptation, presumably airing the latter half of the game. The series continues from the death of Joel, with Ellie, Tommy, and Dina seeking revenge from Abby.
Seattle, as the stage for the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and Seraphite factions, complete with severe combat and infected battles, will be central. Abby's point of view, delving into her drive and history, will enrich the story, challenging viewers' loyalties.
Mazin and Druckmann have promised to stray from the game, as with Season 1's episode featuring Bill and Frank, to ensure the adaptation stays new. Grief, justice, and survival will be the themes that dictate, and Ellie's journey will challenge her humanity. The seven episodes of the season, a reduction from Season 1's nine, are designed for a more streamlined, powerful story, although a fourth season would wrap up the saga.
Social media shows a mix of feelings regarding the delay. X posts show frustration with the two-year wait but enthusiasm for Abby's increased role. Fans commend the show's loyalty to the game while enjoying HBO's innovative changes, such as Abby's changed origin. Viewership of the series, averaging 32 million per episode for Season 1, jumped 150% before Season 2, indicating high expectations for Season 3.
The Last of Us Season 3, set to materialize in 2027 or so, hints at an entertaining sequel despite manufacturing setbacks. Being backed by HBO and boasting an excellent cast as well as robust storytelling, patience will pay a deserving dividend of the next tale of Ellie and Abby. Supportive fans of the series need to catch Seasons 1 and 2 on Max to tide themselves over.