The Last of Us Season 3: Release Date, Cast, Episode Count & Latest Updates

The Last of Us Season 3 is already one of the most anticipated TV returns, as fans reel from the dramatic events of Season 2 and look ahead to the next chapter. From questions about the release date and episode count to the fate of beloved characters, there’s a lot to unpack. In this comprehensive update, we’ll cover everything we know so far – including which cast members are returning, what the plot might entail, and the buzz around Kaitlyn Dever taking on the role of Abby. We’ll also address popular fan questions (like “how many episodes in last of us season 2?” or “does Ellie die in The Last of Us?”) in context, based on the game storyline and recent news. Plus, for creative fans, we have a special section on using an AI Photo Generator to bring your own The Last of Us-inspired characters to life. So grab your backpack and let’s dive into the latest on The Last of Us Season 3!

The Last of Us Season 3 Release Date & Renewal Status

HBO has officially renewed The Last of Us for a third season as of April 2025. This renewal news came even before Season 2 premiered, underscoring HBO’s confidence in the series’ continued success. However, as of now, there is no announced release date for Season 3 – and given the production timeline, fans likely have a bit of a wait. Season 2 debuted in April 2025, roughly two years after Season 1 (which aired in early 2023). If that pattern holds, Season 3 might not arrive until late 2026 or beyond, though this is speculative. The creators will take the necessary time to ensure the quality and fidelity to the story that fans expect.

It’s also worth noting that the showrunners have a clear vision for how much story is left to tell. Co-creator Craig Mazin has stated he doesn’t intend to extend the series beyond the story of the games. In other words, the HBO series will not invent new storylines past The Last of Us Part II game’s narrative – so Season 3 (and perhaps Season 4) will focus solely on completing that existing arc. In fact, Mazin hinted that the story likely cannot be finished in just three seasons, suggesting a fourth may be needed to fully do justice to Part II. The current plan is to cover the entirety of the second game’s plot across multiple seasons, rather than rush it. For now, Season 3 is confirmed and in development – but don’t be surprised if the creators push for another installment afterward to conclude the tale properly.

As for when filming might begin or when we’ll get trailers, those details remain under wraps. We do know the creative team (Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin) is returning to helm Season 3, ensuring consistency in tone and storytelling. Once HBO announces a targeted premiere window or date, we’ll update this section. Keep an eye on the official HBO page for The Last of Us for news as it emerges. For now, patience is key – much like waiting out a long Pittsburgh winter in the Quarantine Zone.

Returning Cast and New Characters: Who’s Back in Season 3?

Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel Miller anchored the series’ first season, and even though Joel’s story took a shocking turn in Season 2, his presence may still be felt through flashbacks. Season 3 will continue Ellie’s journey with Bella Ramsey in the lead, joined by new and returning characters that expand the world.

One of the biggest questions heading into Season 3 is which characters (and actors) will be returning. The good news is that Bella Ramsey will be back as Ellie Williams, the indomitable young heroine of the series. Ellie remains the emotional core of the story, and Ramsey’s performance has been widely praised, so fans can look forward to seeing her continue Ellie’s journey of survival, trauma, and hope. Even though Ellie endured harrowing losses in Season 2, she is very much alive and her story isn’t over (more on that in the Q&A below).

Pedro Pascal’s future in the series as Joel Miller is a bit more complicated. If you’ve played the games or watched Season 2, you know Joel met a tragic fate early in Part II. Season 2 did indeed feature that gut-wrenching storyline – Joel is killed by Abby in a pivotal scene, which sets the entire revenge plot in motion. As a result, we shouldn’t expect Joel to be a major presence in Season 3’s current timeline. However, Joel may still appear in flashback sequences. In the game, some of the most poignant moments after Joel’s death come from flashbacks of Ellie and Joel (for example, a birthday museum trip, or a final conversation on a porch). The show could similarly include flashbacks to give us more Joel/Ellie memories or to underscore Ellie’s emotional state. So while Pedro Pascal’s role will understandably be smaller, don’t rule out seeing him again in Season 3 in some capacity – even if only in Ellie’s recollections or dreams.

The character on everyone’s mind now is Abby Anderson, introduced in Season 2 as Joel’s killer and a central figure in the second game’s story. The Last of Us Season 3 will almost certainly feature Abby in a leading role alongside Ellie, as the two women’s stories collide and intertwine. In the show, Abby is portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, who joined the cast in Season 2. Dever will be returning in Season 3 to continue Abby’s arc. (We’ll dive deeper into Kaitlyn Dever’s performance and fan reactions in the next section.) Abby’s inclusion means we’ll also see more of her allies and friends in Season 3 – characters who were introduced in Season 2 such as Lev, Yara, Owen, Mel, Nora, Manny, and Isaac, all of whom play key roles in Abby’s storyline from the game. In Season 2, viewers met Abby’s Seattle crew: for example, Isabela Merced as Dina (Ellie’s love interest), Young Mazino as Jesse (Ellie’s friend), Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac. Many of these characters will continue into Season 3 – though not all survived Season 2 (the show stayed true to the game’s ruthless plot twists). Without giving too many spoilers here, expect Dina to remain important in Ellie’s life, while Abby’s companions like Lev (a young refugee from the Seraphite cult) will become crucial to Abby’s story moving forward. (Notably, as of Season 2’s end, Lev’s casting hadn’t been revealed publicly, so fans are eager to see who will bring that character to life in Season 3.)

We should also mention a notable new cast member from Season 2: Catherine O’Hara joined the series in an unspecified role. HBO kept her character under wraps, but many suspect she could be portraying someone from Ellie or Abby’s past in Season 3 (speculation ranges from a member of the Fireflies to a brand new character). Seeing a celebrated actress like O’Hara enter the TLOU universe has fans intrigued.

In summary, Season 3’s cast will be a mix of the familiar and the new. Bella Ramsey (Ellie) leads, Kaitlyn Dever (Abby) co-leads, and supporting players like Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Rutina Wesley (Maria), and others are likely to reprise their roles if their characters’ stories continue. Season 3 will also introduce a few new faces, particularly for characters from Abby’s side of the narrative that we haven’t met yet. This rich ensemble sets the stage for an emotionally charged Season 3, as the lines between vengeance and justice blur for Ellie and Abby.

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson – What We Know So Far

Kaitlyn Dever has brought Abby Anderson to life in the HBO series, delivering a performance that captures Abby’s intense emotional journey. Showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin praised Dever’s portrayal, emphasizing that they chose the best actor for the role without worrying about perfectly matching the game character’s physique. Critics have lauded Dever as “perfect as Abby,” noting her ability to convey both ferocity and vulnerability in equal measure.

When news broke that Kaitlyn Dever had been cast as Abby in The Last of Us adaptation, it generated a lot of buzz and discussion in the fan community. Abby is an infamously polarizing character from the game – and an extremely challenging role to take on. Here’s a roundup of everything we know about Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby and how it’s being received:

• Casting and Background: Kaitlyn Dever’s casting as Abby was officially announced on January 9, 2024, after a lengthy and highly secretive audition process. Showrunners wanted to lock in the actress for Abby first, since her role is so crucial, even before many other roles were filled. Dever, known for her work in Booksmart and Unbelievable, wasn’t an obvious physical match to the game’s depiction of Abby (who is extremely muscular in the game). However, Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin have made it clear that acting prowess and authenticity mattered more than matching biceps. In fact, Druckmann admitted, “We would’ve struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role”, indicating that Dever’s talent outweighed any concerns about her smaller stature compared to game-Abby. Interestingly, Kaitlyn Dever has history with The Last of Us franchise – she was considered to play Ellie years ago in a since-abandoned film adaptation of the game. In a way, things have come full circle with Dever now portraying Abby instead.

• Portrayal and Approach: Taking on Abby means embodying a character filled with rage, grief, and a quest for revenge – but also a character who must earn the audience’s empathy over time. Kaitlyn Dever has thrown herself into the role. The show’s team decided she didn’t need to bulk up to mirror the game’s physique for Abby. “That doesn’t play as big of a role in this version of the story… It’s more about the drama,” Druckmann explained, noting that the show places priority on emotional authenticity over physical appearance. Co-showrunner Mazin added that having an Abby who is perhaps physically more vulnerable than in the game opens up “an amazing opportunity to delve into someone whose spirit is stronger… Where does her formidable nature come from and how does it manifest? That’s something that will be explored now and later.” This suggests we’ll see Abby’s inner strength and motivations explored deeply, beyond just her muscles. From what we’ve seen in Season 2, Dever’s Abby is indeed formidable – she’s skilled and fierce – but she also feels painfully human.

• Reception So Far: Although Season 2 only gave us the beginning of Abby’s storyline, Kaitlyn Dever has already made a strong impression. Critics have praised her intense performance; one review bluntly stated “Dever is perfect as Abby, lack of an overly ripped body be damned”, going on to commend how she channels Abby’s all-consuming rage and grief. In Season 2 Episode 2, when Abby commits that shocking act (Joel’s death), Dever’s portrayal captured the character’s furious resolve along with a hint of sorrow, which critics found “brilliant”. Fans were initially anxious about Abby’s introduction – both because of attachment to Joel and because of Abby’s muscular image in the game – but many have come around to Dever’s casting after seeing her on screen. Of course, a vocal subset of fans were concerned about her not matching the bulky look; however, the showrunners and rational fans have reminded everyone that what matters is the essence of Abby’s character, which Dever delivers. The toxic backlash that the game’s original Abby (voiced by Laura Bailey) received is something HBO was mindful of. Kaitlyn Dever herself addressed rumors about needing on-set security due to fan hate, clarifying that those reports were not true. She has expressed her determination to do Abby justice and not be swayed by online negativity, focusing instead on portraying Abby with honesty.

• Looking Ahead: In Season 3, Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby will step into an even larger spotlight. Season 2 set the stage by unveiling Abby’s identity and motive (revenge for her father’s death), but Season 3 will likely dive into Abby’s perspective more fully – including her journey with Lev and the hardships they face. This means Dever will have the challenge (and opportunity) of making viewers truly understand Abby’s point of view, perhaps even root for her, by the time the final confrontation with Ellie occurs. Given Dever’s acting chops and the thoughtful approach the writers are taking, there’s optimism that Abby’s storyline will resonate emotionally on screen just as it did (albeit contentiously) in the game.

In short, Kaitlyn Dever has proven to be an excellent choice for Abby, bringing nuance to a very tough role. Expect Season 3 to solidify Abby as a character viewers empathize with, even if they’re still conflicted about her actions. As fans, we should be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster – Dever herself has hinted at the intensity to come, and we’ve already seen she’s not holding back. Love her or hate her, Abby (through Dever’s performance) will be a major talking point of Season 3.

Episode Count and Format: How Many Episodes Will Season 3 Have?

One trending question fans have is “how many episodes in last of us season 2,” often asked to gauge how HBO is pacing this epic story. Season 1 of The Last of Us had 9 episodes, but Season 2 was a shorter run with 7 episodes. Despite being a couple of episodes shorter, Season 2 packed in plenty of drama – covering roughly half of The Last of Us Part II game’s storyline (more or less up to a major midpoint confrontation).

So what does that mean for Season 3’s episode count? Officially, HBO has not announced the number of episodes for Season 3 yet. However, co-creator Craig Mazin has given a hint that Season 3 might be longer than Season 2. “I think there’s a decent chance that Season 3 will be longer than Season 2,” Mazin said, noting that the narrative in the next part of the story affords a bit more room to breathe. This makes sense – with Season 2 ending on a cliffhanger and significant portions of the game’s story (including Abby’s perspective and the final resolution) still to be told, the writers might need more episodes to wrap everything up satisfyingly.

It’s also possible that HBO and the creators learned from audience feedback that some fans wouldn’t mind a slightly slower pace to flesh out characters. By having, say, 8 or 9 episodes in Season 3, they could give important moments more time to land. Mazin and Druckmann have a plan for how the remaining story will be split; in fact, as mentioned earlier, they believe the story might extend into a Season 4 if needed. But in terms of Season 3 alone, our best guess is somewhere in the 8-10 episode range, with a strong possibility of 9 episodes (mirroring Season 1) or at least equal to Season 2’s 7 episodes, if not a couple more.

To directly answer the fan query: How many episodes are in The Last of Us Season 2? Season 2 consisted of 7 episodes in total And for those wondering about Season 3 – while we don’t have a firm count, expect it to be around the same or slightly more. Once HBO officially confirms the episode number for Season 3, we will update that information here.

Plot Expectations: What Will Happen in Season 3?

With Season 2 concluding on some major unresolved threads, Season 3 is poised to tackle the dramatic second half of The Last of Us Part II storyline. Let’s set the stage (minor spoilers ahead if you haven’t played the game or finished Season 2):

• Where we left off: Season 2 covered the explosive beginning of Ellie and Abby’s conflict. The season opened with the devastating loss of Joel at Abby’s hands, which Ellie witnesses. It then followed Ellie (along with Dina and friends) on a vengeful path through Seattle, hunting down Abby and the former Fireflies who killed Joel. Season 2 likely culminated in the intense theater showdown – in the game, this is the midpoint where Abby and Ellie finally come face to face again. Ellie had eliminated several of Abby’s closest companions (Owen, Mel, etc.) by that point, and a furious Abby ambushes Ellie’s group at the theater. The Season 2 finale presumably ended on a cliffhanger during this confrontation, leaving viewers anxious about what comes next.

• Abby’s Perspective: Season 3 will almost certainly weave in Abby’s side of the story in greater depth. In the game, after playing as Ellie for the first half, players then play a significant portion as Abby, learning about her life, her motivations, and forming an unexpected bond with a character named Lev (a young Seraphite runaway whom Abby protects). If Season 2 only briefly introduced Abby and her immediate motive, Season 3 might rewind a bit to show us Abby’s journey – what happened to her after Joel’s killing and leading up to the theater encounter, including how she met Lev and why that relationship changes her. Expect Season 3 to dedicate time to develop Abby and Lev’s storyline. This will not only humanize Abby further but also set up the emotional stakes for the endgame.

• Ellie’s Resolve Tested: On Ellie’s side, Season 3 will explore the aftermath of that cliffhanger. If the show follows the game, Ellie and Abby’s first brutal showdown doesn’t end in death for either of them – Abby actually spares Ellie’s life (and Tommy’s) at the theater, choosing to leave rather than execute them, on the condition that they don’t come after her again. Season 3 will likely show that resolution, which is a turning point: Abby walks away, and Ellie survives but has to deal with profound losses (friends killed, and a sense of unfinished vengeance). Ellie then tries to return to some semblance of normal life – we might see the peaceful farm chapter with Ellie and Dina attempting to settle down post-conflict, as happens in the game. However, Ellie’s trauma and guilt over Joel’s death continue to haunt her, especially knowing Abby is still out there.

• The Final Confrontation: The latter part of Part II (which Season 3 should cover) sees Ellie unable to let go of her need for revenge. Upon learning Abby’s possible whereabouts, Ellie leaves her home to hunt Abby down one last time, despite Dina’s pleas. This leads both Ellie and Abby to Santa Barbara, California, where Abby has traveled seeking a rumored Firefly base. Without spoiling all the specifics, both characters go through hell – they fall captive to a violent group of raiders, and eventually, Ellie and Abby have one final, harrowing fight. Fans of the game will know this sequence is emotionally exhausting: Ellie is bent on killing Abby, but at the very last moment Ellie finds herself unable to go through with it. She makes the choice to spare Abby’s life and break the cycle of violence. Abby and Lev then depart to hopefully find safety, and Ellie is left wounded and alone, having lost so much in her pursuit of vengeance.

• Themes and Emotional Climax: Season 3 will deliver the profound themes that made Part II so powerful (and divisive) – the corrosive effect of revenge, the possibility of forgiveness, and the lingering trauma that both Ellie and Abby carry. We expect the show to continue paralleling their journeys: both women have lost father figures, both went down dark paths for revenge, and both have to decide what remains of their humanity. If done right, the Season 3 finale could be as heart-wrenching and thought-provoking as the game’s ending. We might see scenes such as Ellie remembering Joel in a flashback (perhaps Joel’s advice or a loving memory gives her the clarity to spare Abby). There’s also speculation that the show might slightly tweak some story details or expand certain moments – for instance, Season 2 already added an original dream sequence for Abby that wasn’t in the game, so Season 3 might include new scenes to enrich the narrative or give closure to characters like Dina or Tommy in ways the game didn’t fully show.

Overall, expect Season 3 to be intense. It will likely start with a bang (resolving the theater confrontation) and then take us on Abby’s journey with Lev in parallel to Ellie’s attempt at a peaceful life, before thrusting both characters into a final collision course. It’s going to be an emotional tug-of-war for viewers who have grown attached to both protagonists by that point. Tissues will be needed, no doubt. And by the final episode of Season 3, we should reach the same poignant ending as The Last of Us Part II: an ending that might not be conventionally happy, but one that offers a glimmer of hope that the cycle of violence has been broken.

(One caveat: if HBO and the creators decide to extend the story into Season 4 as hinted, it’s possible Season 3 could end slightly earlier than the absolute end of the game, saving the final resolution for Season 4. But given the renewal status, we’ll assume for now that Season 3 intends to cover the remainder of the game’s plot.)

Fan Questions Answered

1. How many episodes are in The Last of Us Season 2?

Season 2 of The Last of Us consists of 7 episodes in total. It aired from April 13, 2025 to May 25, 2025 on HBO. This was a slightly shorter season compared to Season 1’s 9 episodes. The episode count was likely a creative decision based on how much of the story the showrunners wanted to cover in one season.

For those curious about Season 3: as mentioned above, the exact number of episodes hasn’t been announced yet, but co-creator Craig Mazin has hinted Season 3 might have more episodes than Season 2. This could mean we’ll get maybe 8 or 9 episodes in Season 3, to fully explore the remaining story. Stay tuned for official confirmation from HBO on the Season 3 episode count.

2. Does Ellie die in The Last of Us?

No – Ellie does not die in The Last of Us story (both in the game and presumably in the series, if it stays faithful). By the end of The Last of Us Part II, Ellie is alive, though emotionally and physically battered. In the Season 2 finale, Ellie was left in a perilous situation facing Abby, but she survived that encounter (Abby chose to spare Ellie). Later on, Ellie pushes her quest for revenge to the brink in a final showdown with Abby in California. In that climactic moment, Ellie has the upper hand and could have killed Abby, but Ellie ultimately decides to let Abby go. This act of mercy effectively ends their cycle of vengeance. Ellie lives on, returning to the farmhouse in Jackson – though she returns to find Dina gone and has to reckon with all she’s lost because of her obsessive pursuit of revenge. It’s a bittersweet ending for Ellie, but it is not the end of her life. So fans can take a bit of comfort in knowing that our girl Ellie makes it through the story alive, hand injury and all. Any rumors of Ellie dying are likely coming from fan speculation or worry, but as of the existing canon, Ellie’s story ends with her surviving. (What the future holds beyond Part II is unknown – if a Part III game is ever made, we’ll see where Ellie’s fate goes, but the show won’t venture into that unless Naughty Dog does it first.)

3. Does Abby kill Ellie in The Last of Us?

Despite how brutally their feud begins, Abby does not kill Ellie in the story. In fact, there are multiple points where Abby chooses not to kill Ellie. The first is right after Abby’s group kills Joel. Ellie is at their mercy, but Abby spares Ellie (and Tommy) and warns them never to pursue her. Later, when Abby and Ellie clash in the theater confrontation, Abby overpowers Ellie. It’s a tense moment where it seems Abby might execute her revenge on Ellie for killing Abby’s friends – but again, Abby lets Ellie live (largely for the sake of the young Lev, who doesn’t want any more bloodshed). Finally, in their last fight in Santa Barbara, it’s Ellie who instigates a fight to the death. Abby at that point is exhausted and just wants to save Lev; she isn’t out to kill Ellie. The brutal brawl that ensues nearly ends with Ellie drowning Abby, but Ellie has a change of heart and stops. Abby, given mercy, never had the desire to come back and kill Ellie after that. Instead, Abby leaves with Lev to find the Fireflies, and Ellie goes home. In short, neither Abby nor Ellie ends up killing the other – which is a crucial aspect of the story’s theme about breaking the cycle of violence. So if you were worried that Abby might eventually murder Ellie, rest assured that does not happen in the source material and it’s very likely the show will follow suit.

4. Is Kaitlyn Dever playing Abby in Season 3?

Yes, indeed! As covered above, Kaitlyn Dever is portraying Abby Anderson in the HBO series. She was introduced in Season 2 as Abby, and she will continue the role into Season 3 (and beyond, if the story extends). Dever’s casting is now well-known, and she’s been widely praised for her take on the character. So any rumors you might have heard about someone else playing Abby can be put to rest – it’s Kaitlyn Dever, and she’s doing a fantastic job bringing Abby to life. Expect even more of her in Season 3 as Abby’s storyline takes center stage.

Fan Creativity Spotlight: Create Your Own The Last of Us Characters with AI

While we all anxiously await Season 3, why not channel that excitement into some creative fun? Ever wondered what you or your original character would look like in the gritty world of The Last of Us? Now’s your chance to find out. We’re featuring a cool opportunity for fans to create their own gaming-inspired characters and fan art set in The Last of Us universe using an AI Photo Generator tool.

Final Thoughts

Season 3 of The Last of Us is shaping up to be an unforgettable ride. We’ve got a confirmed renewal, our favorite (and new) characters lined up, and a story that promises to deliver equally on action and emotion. The journey of Ellie and Abby is about to reach its climax, and if the game is any indication, viewers should prepare for intense confrontations and heartfelt moments that will be talked about for years to come. Between now and the premiere, there will surely be more news – possibly casting reveals (keep an eye out for who will play Lev!), teasers, and interviews that give hints at what’s to come.

As we await The Last of Us Season 3 release date, stay tuned to official channels like HBO for updates, and check back here for the latest news. We’ll update this article as more details emerge – whether it’s a trailer breakdown, a confirmed episode count, or an airing schedule. Until then, endure and survive, folks! And maybe keep a tissue box handy – if Season 3 follows through on the plot we expect, it’s going to be as heart-wrenching as it is thrilling.

(For official information, visit the HBO The Last of Us webpage. And for more fun con tent and community creations, keep exploring fan spaces. The infection might be fictional, but the fandom is real and very much alive!)