The Last of Us Season 2 is coming, but fans will probably have to wait a long time for the new episodes. With the popularity of the video game series and the success of the first season, it’s no surprise that viewers are hungry for more.
So, what can we expect from The Last of Us Season 2? From its release date to the plot, cast, and latest news, let’s dive into what we know so far.
Will there be a Season 2 of The Last of Us?
Fans of The Last of Us will have to exercise their patience muscles because the show’s sequel will not arrive anytime soon. Although the post-apocalyptic horror drama ratings were impressive, actors Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal hinted that the second season’s release is a distant dream.
The Last of Us Season 2 Release Date: Speculation
Pascal, who played the role of Joel in the first season, revealed in an interview with Collider that filming may commence by the end of this year. Ramsey, who portrayed Ellie, seconded Pascal’s statement during her appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show. However, she added that the sequel is likely to start at the end of 2024 or early 2025, as per Independent.
Why the Long Wait?
The first season’s production took about a year, and post-production also requires considerable time. As a result, the wait for the next season will likely be much longer than expected. In the meantime, fans can play the video game The Last of Us: Part II to keep themselves entertained.
How many Seasons will The Last of Us have?
The HBO show has gifted us with more episodes to come, and thankfully season 2 will delve into The Last of Us Part 2.
The show’s masterminds, Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, have revealed that while the second season is in the pipeline, it won’t cover the entirety of the second game, essentially confirming season 3’s existence.
In Druckmann’s own words, “It’s more than one season,” as stated to GQ.
Mazin chimed in with a hint of crypticism, “You have noted correctly that we will not say how many. But more than one is factually correct.”
While we can look forward to a second season, for now, here’s everything we know about The Last of Us season 2.
The Last of Us: Sequel could go beyond season 2
The post-apocalyptic series’ second season is just around the corner, but showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have revealed that they plan to go beyond it.
In an interview with Gizmodo, Mazin stated that he has enough material to produce more than one season. However, he also mentioned that it wouldn’t be one of those never-ending shows that go on for seven seasons.
While discussing the remaining stories, Mazin hinted at The Last of Us Part II, released in 2020, being included in the future seasons. Yet, he doesn’t intend to expand beyond the existing material.
As a writer, he emphasized the importance of purposeful content with a clear ending, rather than spinning out new seasons. He’s a writer with a purpose, not just another endless content producer.
The Last of Us Season 2 Plot: What will happen next?
Like Mazin before him, Druckmann made it clear that “The Last of Us” Season 2 (and possibly Season 3) would adapt the plot from the video game “The Last of Us Part II,” but not go beyond it as per The Hollywood Reporter:
“We don’t plan to expand the plot beyond that of the video games. We’re not going to make the same mistake as ‘Game of Thrones’ because ‘Part II’ doesn’t end with a cliffhanger.”
That would also lend itself to the fact that the second video game in the series basically tells two stories. And if you don’t want to be spoiled, you’d better not read on at this point.
Attention: Spoilers about the story of “The Last of Us Part II” follows.
“The Last of Us Part II” takes place years after the events of Part 1 (and thus Season 1): Ellie and Joel have returned to Jackson and integrated into the community there. But when Joel doesn’t report back from a patrol one day, Ellie suspects evil. And she is to be proven right: Joel is caught in a devastating ambush and must pay with his life in the most brutal way. For Ellie begins at this point a cruel vendetta that blurs any boundaries between good and evil.
The question of all questions among fans is now: Will Joel also have to die early in “The Last of Us” Season 2 and thus give us significantly less screen time with audience favorite Pedro Pascal? Craig Mazin is keeping a tight lid on that for the most part but is already giving some direction (via Esquire):
“One thing should be clear to everyone by now: I’m not afraid of killing characters. But the most important thing is that neither Neil [Druckmann] nor I feel constrained by the source material.”
It sounds like Joel’s fate is not yet sealed. Lead actress Bella Ramsey also hopes for a different path than in the video game because she doesn’t feel “emotionally ready” for a farewell. Pedro Pascal, on the other hand, shows sober understanding in an interview with Esquire, should he die an early death in the series – although he has not yet played the game, nor seen the corresponding scene:
“It wouldn’t make sense to follow the first game so faithfully, only to deviate from the path in such a way. That’s my honest opinion.”
If, like Pascal, you haven’t seen the scene in question, but your curiosity has now gotten better, you can grab “The Last of Us Part II” as a game for the PlayStation 4 or 5. However, it would be best if you kept in mind that the series adaptation – like season 1 – will probably make some changes compared to the gameplay.
For those of you who would have liked more action and infected, there is good news to announce regarding “The Last of Us” Season 2:
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who’s in it?
Well, it’s safe to assume that our beloved trio – Ellie, Joel, and Tommy – will be gracing our screens once again, played by the talented Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, and Gabriel Luna respectively. But that’s not all.
Sharp-eyed viewers of Season 1 may have spotted a mysterious character in episode 6 – Dina. Though only credited as a staring girl, fans of the Part II video game series will recognize the significance of her appearance. It seems likely that actress Paolina van Kleef will be reprising her role in Season 2, and potentially with a larger role to play.
Ramsey, who plays Ellie, has expressed her enthusiasm for the storyline between Ellie and Dina, hinting at what’s to come in the upcoming season. So, get ready for more heart-pounding action and emotional turmoil between our favorite characters in The Last of Us Season 2.