‘The Last Of Us’ Season 2: Release Date Rumors and Predictions

HBO has officially confirmed the return of The Last of Us for its second season. The announcement was made on Jan 27, just 2 weeks after the show’s debut episode.

After its debut, the series became the second-highest premiere in the streaming platform’s history, only behind Game of Thrones.

The first season ended on Sunday night, and fans expect viewership reports to break more records. They are eagerly anticipating what’s in store for the next season.

The Last of Us Season 2 won't be changing things up to address Part 2's negative criticism. Series co-creator Neil Druckmann isn't concerned with the haters whatsoever. pic.twitter.com/9uhMltmOhU

— GameSpot (@GameSpot) March 13, 2023

The show’s creators are Craig Mazin (known for Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmann (co-creator of the original game).

They have brought to life a story about Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey). The plot is set two decades after a fatal infection destroyed modern civilization.

“I’m humbled, honored, and honestly overwhelmed that many people have tuned in and listened to our retelling of Joel and Ellie’s story,” Druckmann said.

He added, “Now we have the absolute pleasure of doing it again with season two! Thank you on behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog & PlayStation.”

#TheLastOfUs showrunner @Neil_Druckmann and podcast host @TroyBakerVA discuss the series finale and the story of Joel and Ellie's journey in video game vs. the show.

Listen to the full discussion here: https://t.co/bLud88rMEr pic.twitter.com/qvYahjTHGi

— Max (@StreamOnMax) March 13, 2023

Thoughts on the First Season So Far

The series’ debut episode has been incredibly successful, becoming HBO’s second-largest premiere in over 10 years, with 4.7 million US viewers across both HBO and HBO Max.

“It still feels surreal that it’s going to go again,” Bella Ramsey spoke to ET on the renewal news, but added, “I don’t want to go into it comparing it to the experience of the first season.”

Expressing gratitude towards the fans who have supported her LGBTQ character in the first season of The Last of Us, the much-adored star stated it has been “the best year of my life.”

The star, Bella Ramsey, identifies as non-binary and is comfortable using pronouns. She said, “I have. It’s like a gay army. That feels nice to have that army behind me.”

The journey continues. #TheLastOfUs will return for another season on @HBOMax. pic.twitter.com/FQNG6vhk1d

— The Last of Us (@TheLastofUsHBO) January 27, 2023

In addition, Ramsey expressed her enjoyment in receiving feedback from fans of The Last of Us video game, stating that “I love hearing gamers’ reactions to the show.”

She added that it is most validating when dedicated gamers who have invested in the game appreciate the show and state that it lives up to their expectations. Ramsey finds this reaction to be incredibly satisfying and fulfilling.

How Soon Can We Expect a Second Season?

While a release date is yet to be confirmed, Pedro Pascal has indicated filming for season two could start this year.

Asked by Collider whether season two was ready for filming, Pascal responded, “In the year 2023? Oh, what season are we in now? We’re getting into spring. Yes, there is a chance. Yes.”

Assuming filming begins in 2023, the earliest that The Last of Us could return would be late 2024 or early 2025.

The filming for the first season, affected by the pandemic, occurred from July 2021 to June 2022. It delayed the series’ debut in January 2023.

The Last of Us came from the 2013 video game created by Naughty Dog, with a sequel named “The Last of Us: Part II” released in 2020.

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