The Last of Us Part 3 is back in the spotlight after a new leak has some major implications for the franchise, as it's claiming a protagonist shake-up. Industry insider Daniel Richtman claimed on his Patreon that casting for The Last of Us Part 3 has begun. That's intriguing enough, but the most shocking claim of all is that the story won't revolve around Ellie this time.
Based on recent comments from creator Neil Druckmann, hope for The Last of Us Part 3 had all but vanished, as he made it seem as though the story was over; at least in gaming. However, Richtman's claims paint a very different picture. It's possible that Druckmann simply wants to keep the production of a potential Part 3 secretive, but until Naughty Dog itself confirms the game, Richtman's statements should be taken with a grain of salt. If these leaks prove to be true, though, The Last of Us Part 3 could face the same controversy that Ghost of Yotei did after its announcement.
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The Last of Us Part 3 May Leave Ellie Behind, Which Could Mirror Ghost of Yotei's Protagonist Change
Richtman Claims a New Cast of Characters
- Val
- Mason
- Gracie
- Ezra
- Lucas
It's important to note that rumors of these characters' names have been mentioned in the past. Richtman first made these bold statements back in 2023. Just as he said two years ago, he continues to hold his ground that The Last of Us Part 3 will revolve around a new cast of characters trying to stay alive in an abandoned Victorian house. A lot has changed with The Last of Us franchise since then, though. When Richtman first presented these leaks in 2023, The Last of Us Online had yet to be canceled, so it's possible that these details could have been part of the now-shuttered multiplayer project.
The Last of Us Part 2 has already taken a big risk by introducing Abby. Bouncing back between her and Ellie's story continues to be a divisive topic.
If these leaks prove true, it could make the same waves as fellow Sony exclusive Ghost of Yotei. A sequel to the beloved Ghost of Tsushima had been highly anticipated, but when it was revealed that the franchise would be switching protagonists, not every fan received the news well. Many were excited to play as Jin once more, but Ghost of Yotei is introducing a new lead with Atsu.
If The Last of Us Part 3 says goodbye to Ellie, it's bound to be a major controversy. Up until now, Ellie has served as the heart of the franchise, so opting for a fresh lead won't sit well with a lot of fans. Since Ghost of Tsushima is a single game, switching protagonists is easier to justify. However, Ellie has been the main presence in both chapters so far, so leaving her story open-ended to make way for new faces would be incredibly bold on Naughty Dog's part.
Season 2 of The Last of Us' live-action adaptation airs on HBO Max April 13.
Naughty Dog's The Last of Us Part 3 Plans Currently Remain in the Dark
If The Last of Us Part 3 ever becomes a reality, it's likely several years away at this point. Naughty Dog is currently busy with its new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. There isn't even a release date set in stone for the sci-fi adventure yet, which implies the game still needs time in the oven. Intergalactic will need its own moment in the spotlight before The Last of Us Part 3 ever sees the light of day. As time passes, it will be interesting to see if Richtman's claims prove true, but until then, anything about The Last of Us Part 3 is merely speculation and rumor.
The Last of Us
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 94 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- June 14, 2013
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Naughty Dog
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Engine
- Proprietary (overall), Havok (physics)
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Expansions
- The Last of Us: Left Behind
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the emotional storytelling and unforgettable characters in The Last of Us, winner of over 200 Game of the Year awards. In a ravaged civilization, where infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Joel, a weary protagonist, is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie out of a military quarantine zone. However, what starts as a small job soon transforms into a brutal cross-country journey. Includes the complete The Last of Us single-player story and celebrated prequel chapter, Left Behind, which explores the events that changed the lives of Ellie and her best friend Riley forever.
