As voices for The Last of Us Part 3 continue to rise, Naughty Dog co-president and series creator Neil Druckmann has delivered a sobering update, which leaves the future of the beloved franchise uncertain.
Speaking in a recent interview with Variety, Druckmann warned fans not to assume another installment is on the way, stating, “I was waiting for this question. I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more of The Last of US. This could be it.”
The statement broke the hearts of many fans, who have been loyal to the franchise for over a decade. Since its 2013 debut, The Last of Us has become one of gaming’s most celebrated intellectual properties.
The Last of Us Part 2 (2020) was a massive commercial success, selling over 10 million copies and winning multiple Game of the Year awards. Additionally, HBO’s live-action adaptation, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, has propelled the series into the mainstream. The show’s second season is set to premiere on April 14, 2025.
Despite Druckmann’s cautionary words, people still remain rampant. In 2021, he acknowledged that a story outline for The Last of Us Part 3 existed. Moreover, in a 2023 development documentary for the second part, he hinted that “there’s probably one more chapter to this story.”
Meanwhile, Naughty Dog has confirmed that multiple single-player titles are in the works. In December 2023, one of these was revealed to be Intergalactic, a sci-fi action-adventure title. Whether The Last of Us Part 3 is among their upcoming projects remains a mystery, but for now, Druckmann’s latest remarks suggest that fans shouldn’t hold their breath.
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