For over a decade, The Last of Us has stood as one of the most groundbreaking and emotionally gripping franchises in gaming history. It’s a series that has pushed the boundaries of storytelling, delivering unforgettable characters, shocking twists, and deep, thought-provoking themes.
From its harrowing opening sequence in 2013 to the controversial yet masterfully crafted The Last of Us Part II in 2020, the series has continued to evolve, leaving an undeniable mark on both the gaming and entertainment industries beyond gaming. The Last of Us has expanded into television, with the critically acclaimed HBO adaptation becoming one of the most successful video game adaptations of all time. With a second season on the horizon, one would assume that the franchise is stronger than ever.
A Cryptic Statement That Shook Fans
In a recent interview with Variety, Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann made a statement that has left fans speculating about whether the franchise will continue at all:
“Don’t bet on there being more Last of Us.”
It’s an ambiguous remark that can be interpreted in multiple ways. Does this mean that The Last of Us Part III will never happen? Or is he simply suggesting that, if a third game does exist, it will be the last chapter in the saga?
For a franchise that has captivated millions, the idea that it could be coming to an end is both shocking and bittersweet.
A Decade of The Last of Us
When The Last of Us first launched in 2013, it was immediately hailed as a masterpiece. The gripping story of Joel and Ellie surviving in a post-pandemic world captivated players, setting a new standard for emotional storytelling in video games. It wasn’t just a game; it was an experience.
Since then, the title has been remastered and re-released multiple times, reaching new audiences across various platforms and console generations. The franchise truly evolved in 2020 with the launch of The Last of Us Part II, a game that dared to take risks and challenge players with complex moral dilemmas. While divisive among some fans, it was still widely regarded as a masterclass in narrative-driven gaming, earning Game of the Year honors and breaking records in the industry.
Nearly a year ago on April 19, 2024, The Last of Us Part II got its remastered version, featuring upgraded visuals, new gameplay modes, and behind-the-scenes developer commentary. For some, it was a welcome return to a beloved title, but for others, it raises the question: Why remaster a game if the series isn’t continuing?
The HBO Series: A New Audience, A New Legacy
While the future of the games remains uncertain, one thing is undeniable: the HBO adaptation has solidified The Last of Us as a pop culture phenomenon.
The show’s first season, starring Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, was a massive success, earning critical acclaim and winning eight Emmy Awards. It captured the emotional depth of the game while expanding upon the story in meaningful ways, proving that video game adaptations can be just as powerful as their source material.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the second season, which is set to premiere in spring of 2025, nearly two and a half years after the first season debuted. The upcoming episodes will begin adapting The Last of Us Part II, with a third season expected to follow in order to cover the entirety of the game’s story.
With the show drawing in millions of new fans, one would think that Naughty Dog would be eager to continue the franchise. But Druckmann’s latest comments suggest otherwise.
A Future in Question
Rumors of The Last of Us Part III have circulated for years, with leaks, job listings, and vague statements from Naughty Dog fueling speculation. Yet, the game has never been officially confirmed. Druckmann’s recent remarks hint that, if a third game does exist, it could be the final chapter. Or, even more shockingly, it might not exist at all.
The uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s future became even more apparent in December 2023, when Naughty Dog officially canceled its planned Last of Us multiplayer game. The project, which had been in development for years, was meant to expand the series into an online multiplayer experience set in its post-apocalyptic world. However, the studio scrapped it, citing a shift in focus toward single-player experiences.
Then, in a surprising turn of events, Naughty Dog used The Game Awards 2024 to announce Intergalactic, an entirely new IP. The reveal left fans stunned – rather than teasing more Last of Us, the studio appeared to be moving on to something completely different.
almost exactly a year ago, Druckmann said in the TLOU 2 documentary that he thinks he cracked the story for TLOU 3.Now he's like "never mind, maybe we just never make another last of us game" lmfao https://t.co/hnHJLKXeS7
— Cade Onder (@Cade_Onder) March 5, 2025
Should The Last of Us End?
This brings us to the ultimate question: should The Last of Us continue, or is it time to let the series rest?
On one hand, The Last of Us Part II provided a powerful, if divisive, conclusion to Ellie’s journey. Some fans believe that stretching the story further could diminish its impact. If Naughty Dog has no clear vision for a third game, perhaps it’s best to leave things as they are.
On the other hand, there are still stories left to tell. Ellie’s fate is uncertain, Abby’s journey could be explored further, and there’s always the possibility of a prequel focusing on different characters in the Last of Us universe.
Whether or not The Last of Us Part III ever becomes a reality, one thing is certain: this franchise has left an indelible mark on gaming history.
What do you think? Should The Last of Us end with Part II, or is there still another story waiting to be told?