Major news, even if we all saw it coming: HBO's The Last of Us has officially been renewed for Season 3, just days before the premiere of Season 2 on Max.

"It can’t be for nothing," Max announced via its social media channels on April 9. "Season 3 is coming." The announcement was accompanied by a striking video featuring a deep red flare burning bright in the corner, underscoring the ominous tone of the message.

It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming. #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/q5HxyvK9O6

— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 9, 2025

Since its premiere in January 2023, The Last of Us has garnered widespread acclaim, often hailed as the best video game adaptation to date. Season 1 swept eight Emmy awards from 24 nominations, setting a high bar for the eagerly awaited Season 2. Returning stars Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal will reprise their roles as Ellie and Joel, joined by newcomer Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, a soldier driven by revenge following a personal loss. The cast is further enriched by talents such as Young Mazino from Beef, Isabelle Merced of Alien: Romulus, Danny Ramirez from Captain America: Brave New World, and legends Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Wright.

Recently, series creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann shared their insights with IGN about the ongoing debate surrounding Joel's controversial decision at the end of the first game. "I believe Joel was right," Druckmann, the head of Naughty Dog, stated. "If I were in Joel's position, I hope I would be able to do what he did to save my daughter." In contrast, Mazin, known for Chernobyl, offered a different perspective: "That's so interesting, because I think that if I were in Joel's position, I probably would have done what he did. But I'd like to think that I wouldn't. That's the interesting push and pull of the morality of it. And that's why the ending of the first game is so provocative and so wonderful. It just doesn't let you off the hook as a player."

The Last of Us Season 2 is set to premiere on Max on April 13, 2025. While the release date for Season 3 remains uncertain, fans can look forward to IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 2 for more insights.