HBO has officially renewed the Emmy-winning drama series for a third season, ahead of the highly anticipated return of season two this weekend. This announcement follows the positive reception of the new episodes, with the current season boasting a 92 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and being described as “thrilling” and “addictive.”
Co-creator and showrunner Craig Mazin stated, “We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew. We look forward to continuing the story of The Last of Us with season three.”
Co-creator Neil Druckmann added, “To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans’ enthusiastic and overwhelming support. Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions. On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast, and crew, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We’re thrilled to bring you more of The Last of Us.”
Francesca Orsi, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, expressed, “It can’t be overemphasized how proud HBO is of the outstanding achievement we believe the second season of The Last of Us is. Craig, Neil, Carolyn, and the entire executive producer team, cast, and crew have delivered a masterful follow-up, and we’re thrilled to carry the power of Craig and Neil’s storytelling into what we know will be an equally moving and extraordinary third season.”
In a discussion about the new season, Mazin likened it to the iconic second chapter of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back. “I think about that a lot — because I love The Empire Strikes Back, and I think everybody should,” Mazin remarked. “We love that one because the second act is the tough act. That’s when everything is challenged, and characters undergo moments where they can’t be who they used to be, but they’re also not ready to be who they’re supposed to be. There’s a sense of feeling lost. And I love that.”
The official description of season two reads: “Five years after the events of the first season, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) are drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.”
Returning cast members for season two include Gabriel Luna as Tommy and Rutina Wesley as Maria. The previously announced new cast members include Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac. Catherine O’Hara will also make a guest appearance.
The second season of The Last of Us consists of seven episodes, with the first set to air on Sunday, April 13, on HBO and Max.
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