The Last of Us season 3: in summary
- Filming for the next season is expected to start in 2026
- The final episode of season 2 confirms that Abby’s story will be the focus
One of HBO’s biggest shows, The Last of Us, has just wrapped up season two in traditional dramatic fashion.
After a huge twist very early on, this latest instalment has explored the theme of revenge at whatever cost, with our main characters battling not just the infected, but mysterious cults and military factions.
Episode seven aired on 25 May, with an explosive end that will change the show forever. HBO gave season 3 of The Last of Us the green light just before season 2 aired, but when will the show return?
Here’s what we know so far – you can also read our review of The Last of Us season 2.
When could The Last of Us season 3 be released?
Fans of The Last of Us may be in for a bit of a wait for season 3.
Dina’s actress Isabela Merced told Variety that although she doesn’t know for certain when production will begin on the show again, she expects it to be next year – so 2026.
If production follows the same pattern as season 2, then we expect that season 3 of The Last of Us won’t hit screens until 2027. Of course, this is just an estimation. Should we hear more, we’ll update this article.
We expect that The Last of Us season 3 will be released on HBO Max in the US and on Sky Atlantic and Now in the UK.
What is the plot of The Last of Us season 3?
Major spoilers for The Last of Us season 2
The ending of The Last of Us season 2 confirmed what many game fans will have guessed: we’ll be seeing the events in Seattle from Abby’s perspective rather than Ellie’s.
Liane Hentscher/HBO
Ellie made her way to the city with Dina in pursuit of Abby, who brutally murdered Joel in episode 2 – avenging her father, a doctor who was shot by Ellie’s father figure when he intervened during a lethal operation that could have been a cure for the cordyceps virus.
During her hunt for Abby, Ellie began to hunt down members of the group that were with Abby during the night that Joel was murdered. She tortured and killed Nora and later shot Owen and Mel in the aquarium, learning in the process that Mel was pregnant.
During all of this, Ellie encountered the militia W.L.F., which she knows is linked to Abby in some capacity. She was also nearly lynched by a mysterious cult, though Ellie knows little of who they are.
Separate scenes have revealed to the audience that the W.L.F. is led by Isaac Dixon, and they are in a war with the Seraphites. Issac is Abby’s commanding officer in the group, though there are signs that Abby is going against her usual orders.
Liane Hentscher/HBO
In season 3, we’ll learn much more about this war in Seattle as we delve into Abby’s version of events – seeing her viewpoint as she learns that the war is more nuanced than she may have anticipated.
We’ll also see her reaction as Ellie picks off her friends one by one, and what eventually drives her to hunt her down and kill Jesse in the process. We’ll also see the aftermath of that final gunshot.
Of course, this does mean that Ellie’s tale will likely be sidelined for a whole season – though we may get a few cutscenes here and there keeping us updated on both sides of the story.
Liane Hentscher/HBO
Who could star in The Last of Us season 3?
Providing there are no recasts, here are the main cast members we expect to return:
- Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
- Bella Ramsey as Ellie
- Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
- Danny Ramirez as Manny
- Ariela Barer as Mel
- Tati Gabrielle as Nora
- Spencer Lord as Owen
- Gabriel Luna as Tommy
- Isabela Merced as Dina
- Young Mazino as Jesse
Even though many of these characters are now dead in Ellie’s story, they may appear in season 3 through Abby’s eyes.
Episode 7 confirms that the show will pick up in Seattle Day 1, which is after Joel (Pedro Pascal) is killed. So, if he does appear, it’s likely only via flashbacks and/or clips we’ve seen before.
If the show follows the same pattern as the game, we expect that we’ll see the introduction of Lev, a former member of the Seraphites who forms a strong and complex relationship with Abby.
How to watch The Last of Us TV series
In the US, the first season of The Last of Us is available on HBO TV channels, and on the flexible streaming service Max. This costs $9.99 per month for ad-supported viewing, and either $16.99 per month or $20.99 per month for ad-free streaming depending on what package you opt for.
The UK doesn’t yet have HBO, but the show was syndicated on Sky Atlantic and Now, as other HBO productions have. Now’s Entertainment membership costs £9.99 per month.
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