What’s Next for ‘The Last of Us’ Now That Neil Druckmann Is Gone? Explained

Things have just got a little bit more uncertain for The Last of Us’ future seasons, but there might be a chance for Craig Mazin to save the show from a complete downfall after the highly criticised sophomore season.

So far, the original video game and its TV version’s fans are divided over Druckmann’s shocking announcement about stepping down from HBO’s The Last of Us: some are suggesting that the series is now completely doomed with Craig Mazin as the sole showrunner while others retort that it was actually Druckmann who ruined it all.

It’s yet too early to say what awaits The Last of Us after the already confirmed third season, though right now it seems like the series doesn’t have that many options — and Mazin gets all the responsibility.

‘The Last of Us’ Might Get Lost Without Neil Druckmann

Now that the original game’s developer revealed that he would prioritise “Naughty Dog”’s upcoming projects in the near future, for some things do look shaky when it comes to The Last of Us’ TV version.

Despite running the show alongside Mazin, Druckmann was a major figure on set just because he was the one to develop the original game and thus to know exactly which direction its adaptation should follow.

Yes, even his presence didn’t guarantee The Last of Us a safe place from failures after all, yet the show still got close to its source material in the episodes directed or written by Druckmann.

In his turn, Mazin is also a valuable addition considering that he helmed another major HBO hit, Chernobyl. However, his own vision might be going in a different direction from the game, which is a risky decision since everything the game’s fans have ever wanted from the series was to follow the original storyline as precisely as possible.

Alternatively, Craig Mazin Can Give a Different Closure to ‘The Last of Us’ — and Regain Success

While Druckmann’s exit from The Last of Us is actually great news for those who have been waiting for new games from “Naughty Dog”, Mazin’s updated status as the only showrunner might also mean something positive.

With the third season initially planned to cover the second game’s second part and wrap the entire story, Mazin’s plans for a fourth season will likely signal that the story isn’t over yet.

On top of that, Mazin does get a unique opportunity to offer his own vision of the events if the show is to continue its run after the third season, potentially introducing new characters and locations for Ellie to meet and explore.

When Will ‘The Last of Us’ Next Season Be Released?

The show is yet to announce a premiere date for its third season which hasn’t started its production so far.

However, The Last of Us’ new episodes might arrive on Max sometime in 2027.