Neil Druckmann, the head of NaTGHTA DOG, announced that he would not be creatively involved in the upcoming season 3 HBO The Last of Us, instead focuses on the development of intergalactic game: Heretic Prophet.
– Naughty Dog (@Naughty_dog) July 2, 2025
In a statement published to Naughty Dog Social Channels, Druckmann said:
“I made a difficult decision to move away from my creative involvement in Last of Us in HBO. Thanks to the work completed in season 2 and before starting significant work in season 3, now there is the right time to go to all concentration on naughty dogs and his future projects, including writing and directing our exciting next game, intergalactic: heretic prophet studies and head.
“Co -creation of the program was the most vital event. It was an honor to cooperate with Craig Mazin to executive, direct and writing products in the last two seasons. I am deeply grateful for the thoughtful approach and dedication of a talented cast and crew to adapt the last part from part I and the continuous adaptation of the US II part.”
Additional cube reports He reveals that Showrunner Craig Mazin will write for season 3 after he cooperates with Druckmann in the first two seasons.
Druckmann’s return to focus on the development of the game after disclosing the next Naughty Dog project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, during Game Awards in December 2024. Although it seems that this is Druckmann’s main goal, this is not the only studio’s project. Druckmann confirmed that there is a different, unannounced game in internally works, in which he is “more the role of the producer” and comes to “the mentor and observe the latter team, give opinions and be like a director in the room.”
Meanwhile, The Last of Us adaptation HBO is very successful. HBO said that in season 2 the “influx” of viewers was recorded, which brought the total global audience to over 90 million from the end of season 1Although he added that the low viewership of the finals of season 2 was caused by the time of release on the weekend of the Memorial Day.
Although it has been confirmed that season 3 is in work, it may not be over. Mazin said he thinks that the fourth season is necessary, and the composer of the series recently said Podcast that there would be “at least two consecutive seasons, without a doubt.” It is not clear whether Druckmann would return creative in the fourth season.
We gave the last season 1 9/10, calling it “a stunning adaptation that should delight the newcomers and enrich those who already know Joel and Ellie’s journey.” Season 2 gained a slightly lower 7/10: “Still good, but it is also a continuation that is fighting because it is only half of the story.”
Rebekah Valentine is a senior Ign reporter. You can find her post on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.skyla. Do you have a hint with history? Send it to ralentine@ign.com.
