When Will The Last of Us Season 3 Release?

As HBO’s The Last of Us continues to dominate pop culture and Google search trends, fans are eagerly searching for the latest on Season 3.

With questions swirling around the release date, cast, plot twists, and the future of the show, here’s the ultimate guide to what’s next for this acclaimed post-apocalyptic series.

The Last of Us Season 3 Release Date: When Will It Premiere?

As of May 2025, HBO has not announced an official release date.

However, Isabela Merced (Dina) revealed that filming is expected to start in 2026, making an early 2027 premiere the most realistic scenario.

This follows the established pattern: Season 1 debuted in 2023, with Season 2 arriving two years later. Expect a similar gap before the next chapter drops on Max (formerly HBO Max).

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in The Price | Source: IMDb

The Last of Us Season 3 Cast: Who’s Returning and Who’s New?

The cast lineup for Season 3 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about aspects, especially with shifting character perspectives and shocking plot developments. Here’s who you can expect to see:

Bella Ramsey as Ellie: The heart of the series, Ellie’s journey is far from over.
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby: Season 3 will focus heavily on Abby’s story, continuing the dual narrative from the video game.
Isabela Merced as Dina: Ellie’s partner, whose relationship will be further explored.
Gabriel Luna as Tommy: Joel’s brother, a key figure in Ellie’s life.
Danny Ramirez as Manny: Abby’s loyal friend and WLF member.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac: The ruthless WLF leader, set to play a bigger role.
Alanna Ubach as Hanrahan is expected to return for more drama.

Pedro Pascal’s Joel was killed in Season 2, but showrunners haven’t ruled out flashbacks or other creative appearances, keeping fans speculating about his continued presence.

Gabriel Luna in The Last of Us | Source: IMDb

The Last of Us Season 3 Plot: What’s Next for Ellie and Abby?

Season 3 will adapt the next segment of The Last of Us Part II, shifting the spotlight to Abby’s perspective. The Season 2 finale set up this transition, and showrunners have confirmed that “it’s the Abby story” for the upcoming season. Expect:

Flashbacks to Abby’s Past: More on her history with Owen, Mel, and the WLF, deepening her motivations and relationships.
Ellie’s Ongoing Struggle: Ellie’s quest for revenge and her evolving relationship with Dina will remain a core focus.
New Conflicts: The fallout from Joel’s death and the cycle of violence will drive the narrative, exploring themes of loss, vengeance, and redemption.

Kaitlyn Dever in The Last of Us | Source: IMDb

Will There Be More Seasons After Season 3?

Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have confirmed that Season 3 will not conclude the story. There’s a “decent chance” for a Season 4, as the adaptation of The Last of Us Part II will span multiple seasons. This means fans can look forward to even more twists and emotional storytelling in the chapters to come.

READ: What Happened to Jesse in The Last of Us Season 2 Finale?

What’s Next: Trailers, Teasers, and Fan Theories

With production slated for 2026, fans shouldn’t expect an official trailer until late 2026 or early 2027. In the meantime, speculation is rampant about plot twists, new characters, and how closely the show will follow the game’s controversial narrative.

Final Thoughts

The Last of Us Season 3 is poised to be one of the most highly anticipated TV events of 2023, promising high-stakes drama, beloved characters, and shocking new perspectives. Stay tuned for more updates as HBO releases new information—and keep searching for the latest on release dates, cast news, and exclusive behind-the-scenes details.