In a recent interview, Neil Druckmann, co-writer and co-director of The Last of Us games, hinted at the possibility of a third installment in the popular series. Druckmann expressed that he believes there is “probably one more chapter to this story,” teasing fans with the potential for a new addition to the beloved franchise.
The interview, which was part of a documentary produced in partnership with Naughty Dog, the studio behind The Last of Us games, featured Druckmann discussing the concept for The Last of Us 3. While he admitted that he doesn’t have a concrete story in mind, he expressed excitement about the potential concept for the next chapter in the series. Druckmann emphasized that the concept is as thrilling to him as the first two games, hinting at the possibility of a seamless throughline for all three installments.
However, Druckmann also acknowledged that if Naughty Dog never creates a third entry in the series, The Last of Us: Part II serves as a “fine ending point.” He emphasized the privilege of working at Naughty Dog, highlighting the team’s freedom to explore new projects and not feel obligated to continue with The Last of Us series if they don’t want to.
In addition to discussing The Last of Us 3, Druckmann clarified previous comments about having an outline for the game. He explained that the outline he mentioned actually focused on a story centered around the character Tommy and was never conceived as a full game, but rather a smaller, more focused narrative. While Naughty Dog had plans for a game starring Tommy, the studio had “higher priorities” at the time, including addressing work/life balance issues within the company.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding The Last of Us 3, Naughty Dog has been focusing on its two single-player games currently in development. These projects have generated speculation among fans, with many anticipating one of them to be the highly anticipated third installment of The Last of Us series. Alternatively, the other game could be a new intellectual property, adding to the excitement surrounding Naughty Dog’s future releases.
In the realm of television, HBO’s The Last of Us TV series is set to return in 2025, bringing the post-apocalyptic world to viewers once again. The series recently added another prominent name to its cast, further building anticipation for the adaptation of the beloved video game franchise.
As fans eagerly await news of a potential third game and immerse themselves in the upcoming television series, the future of The Last of Us universe remains uncertain. With the studio prioritizing its current projects and the possibility of exploring new intellectual properties, only time will tell if fans will see the continuation of the gripping narrative that has captivated audiences around the world.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits news of The Last of Us 3, the future of the franchise has become a topic of speculation and anticipation. Whether a third installment materializes or not, the legacy of The Last of Us is set to endure, with a television adaptation and other projects keeping fans engaged with the world of the games. As Naughty Dog continues to pursue its creative endeavors, fans can only hope for the opportunity to experience another gripping chapter in the acclaimed series.