The Last of Us season 2 wrapped up on May 25th, 2025, and it's safe to say that the finale was a divisive one. While fans were eager to check out these seven episodes, it was clear from the jam-packed ending that the focus has now shifted away from Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal). One could make the argument that it's always tough to follow up a successful and popular first season, especially when it's based on a game with a huge fanbase.
Now that The Last of Us season 3 might arrive fairly shortly, fans are reflecting on the huge changes that are coming. While the third season might not be universally beloved, it's great that the next part of TLOU will be completely different from seasons 1 and 2.
The Last of Us Season 2’s Isabela Merced Reveals One Dina and Ellie Scene Wasn’t in the Script, Preferring To Improvise It Instead
Isabela Merced has revealed that one of her scenes with Ellie in The Last of Us Season 2 was completely improvised.
The Last Of Us Season 3 Will Take A Big Creative Risk And Focus On Abby, And That's A Good Thing
After The Last of Us season 2 finale, it's clear that The Last of Us season 3 will go in a different direction and make Abby the focal point of the story. While it's easy to imagine that this will result in some criticism, it's a great idea for the show to make such a big change. Over the past few years, many TV shows and movies have played it safe and catered to fans. That's why so many season and series finales feel lackluster, and it's hard to pinpoint which storylines were actually wrapped up. However, while that makes some people happy, it doesn't always result in the most memorable or best art.
Creative risks can pay off and be satisfying, and it will be fascinating to see where The Last of Us season 3 goes. There's definitely a fine line between ruining a show and making some changes that not everyone will agree with or appreciate. For instance, in the case of Stranger Things season 5, some character arcs do need resolutions, such as Max Mayfield's (Sadie Sink). But the Duffer Brothers hopefully made the final season they wanted to make and that felt right for the story, without worrying too much about what fans would say. That might mean killing off some characters and adding to the already high body count of the hit series.
In the same vein, The Last of Us season 3 shouldn't be afraid to lean into Abby's story, even if some viewers still aren't big fans of her character. It's never a good idea to make a TV show based on something that fans want. If the writers and producers listened to viewers, then perhaps Joel would have never died, and seasons 2 and 3 will still follow Joel and Ellie. While they have a heartwarming bond, and it's sad to no longer see them go on this dark and scary adventure together, the show needed to evolve and move on from season 1. Kaitlyn Dever did an incredible job as Abby and fully explored the young adult character who is grieving a giant loss and hoping to get revenge. She's a complex and layered person, and that's always the goal of any TV character.
Adapting a popular game, like Until Dawn, or making a remake of a beloved TV series or movie is never easy. Fans have strong opinions, and no one is going to agree on everything. Even if people criticize The Last of Us season 3, it's great to watch a season of TV that sparks conversation. However, the series should get more credit for trying something new instead of a disappointing adaptation that doesn't make any changes at all. That would be a bigger mistake than making some story choices that viewers don't like.
What Can Fans Expect From The Last Of Us Season 3?
Since The Last of Us season 3 is going to be very different from season 2, it's interesting to hear what the co-creators and co-showrunners have to say about the shift the story is taking. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Neil Druckmann said:
"there’s an epic nature to everything that’s about to happen. But this other story is going to be really important coming backing to Joel and Ellie and everything we’ve seen so far.”
Craig Mazin said:
“All I can say is we haven’t seen the last of Kaitlyn Dever, and we haven’t seen the last of Bella Ramsey, and we haven’t seen the last of Isabela Merced, and we haven’t even seen the last of a lot of people who are currently dead in the story.”
Based on these comments, it's possible to guess that characters who died in The Last of Us season 2 finale could return, possibly via flashback scenes. Perhaps fans will see Joel again, too, although it feels like his arc has wrapped up, and it's tough to imagine how he could fit into the story again. However, no one would complain about at least one more Joel scene. No matter what, it's clear that The Last of Us season 3 will surprise viewers, and it's going to be an intense batch of episodes.
- Release Date
- January 15, 2023
- Network
- HBO
- Showrunner
- Craig Mazin
Cast
-
Pedro PascalJoel Miller -
Bella RamseyEllie Williams
WHERE TO WATCH
- Directors
- Craig Mazin, Peter Hoar, Jeremy Webb, Ali Abbasi, Mark Mylod, Stephen Williams, Jasmila Žbanić, Liza Johnson, Nina Lopez-Corrado
- Writers
- Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin, Halley Wegryn Gross
- Franchise(s)
- The Last of Us
- Creator(s)
- Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin
The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 6 Missed The Opportunity To Be The Season's 'Long, Long, Time'
Episode 6 misses the perfect opportunity to create an emotional Joel and Ellie-centred storyline similar to Bill and Frank's in Season 1.