The Last of Us will extend beyond the third season of the HBO series.

With the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us set to wrap up in 2027 and Naughty Dog busy developing its next title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the future of The Last of Us remains a bit hazy. However, series co-creator Neil Druckmann has provided a hint of optimism in a recent interview, indicating that Naughty Dog isn’t finished with the iconic post-apocalyptic franchise.

“Naughty Dog is still the steward of this IP,” Druckmann shared, “and even though this might be the end of this adaptation, we’re not done with The Last of Us.” This marks the first substantial update on the series since the cancellation of The Last of Us Online at the end of 2023, following a rocky development period. Druckmann also hinted at multiple projects in the pipeline, promising more details “when the time is right,” likely after the release of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

Regarding the final season of the HBO show, Druckmann clarified that he wasn’t involved in its creative direction. “I wasn’t involved in shaping this season’s creative direction,” he stated, “Naughty Dog did not have a creative role in the direction of the season. So I can’t personally speak to how production is progressing.” Season 3 is expected to debut next year, focusing on Abby’s storyline from the second game.

While Druckmann didn’t reveal specifics about the next game in the series, the conclusion of The Last of Us Part 2 opens up several possibilities. Ellie’s journey could continue, especially considering her arc aligns with the themes of traditional Greek tragedy, suggesting she still has a third act to navigate. The last game left her at a particularly low point, so a sequel that allows her to find some semblance of a happy ending could be a refreshing twist, even if such outcomes are rare in The Last of Us universe. Alternatively, a third installment might shift focus entirely, following Abby and Lev as they search for the Fireflies.

It’s also worth noting that the next game might not necessarily be The Last of Us Part 3. The series’ rich world offers ample opportunities for standalone stories, and Naughty Dog may opt to introduce a new cast of characters. The canceled multiplayer game hinted at exploring the previously uncharted territory of San Francisco, showcasing the studio’s willingness to craft original narratives within this universe. Given the mixed reception of The Last of Us Part 2, this could be a strategic move.