The critically acclaimed TV adaptation of Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us might not be ending with Season 3 after all, according to HBO.
In an interview with Deadline, HBO’s EVP Francesca Orsi shared insights about the future seasons of The Last of Us TV show, stating, “We don’t have a complete or final plan, but I think it’s looking like four seasons. I wouldn’t want to confirm that, but it’s looking like this season and then two more seasons after this, and we’re done.”
This approach seems intentional, as the pacing of the video game and TV show differ significantly. The show adopts a more subdued tone, focusing on deeper character stories that flesh out the beloved main characters from the games. In contrast, the original video game provides more agency to the player, allowing them to control Ellie and Joel freely.
RELATED: Kanye West Declares The Last of Us Part II the Greatest Game Ever – And He Might Be Right
Season 2 of the Emmy-winning post-apocalyptic drama will premiere this April, featuring hour-length seven episodes filled with nail-biting drama between Ellie, Joel, and newcomer Abby. It will cover the events from the first few hours of The Last of Us Part II, depicting the fallout in Ellie and Joel’s relationship following the incident at Saint Mary’s Hospital.
Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart), will play a major role as well. She portrays a vengeful and conflicted character that both game and show fans will appreciate. While she won’t be as physically imposing as her game counterpart, she can still wield a golf club, leading up to the game’s most dreaded moment which we will not spoil.
The show also introduces newcomers such as Young Mazino (Beef), who will play Jesse, Ellie and Dina’s close friend. Dina, Ellie’s love interest, will be portrayed by Isabela Merced (Dora the Explorer, Alien: Romulus).
If Season 4 marks the series' end, viewers can expect a slower storytelling approach in Season 3, along with a complete shift in perspective, mirroring the narrative style of the video game.