Live-action The Last of Us series ‘may require’ story to last for more than 3 seasons

HBO’s The Last of Us could run for more than three seasons, according to HBO’s Head of Drama Francesca Orsi.

While the original plan was to adapt The Last of Us Part II game across two additional seasons, it now seems the story may need even more time to unfold.

At The White Lotus season 3 premiere, Orsi spoke with Deadline and shared an update on The Last of Us, confirming how many seasons HBO plans to approve to adapt the rest of the story, regardless of its final form.

He said, “We don’t have a complete or final plan, but I think it’s looking like four seasons.”

“I wouldn’t want to confirm that, but it’s looking like this season and then two more seasons after this and we’re done.”

HBO renewed The Last of Us for a second season shortly after its record-breaking premiere in 2023.

Production on season two is already underway, with a release expected in 2025.

Stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are reprising their roles as Joel and Ellie, while new cast members will bring characters from Part II to life.

The official description for Season 2 reads, “After five years of peace following the events of the first season, Joel and Ellie’s collective past catches up to them, drawing them into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.”

If the show expands beyond three seasons, it could allow for a more detailed adaptation of the game’s complex storyline.

Part II is significantly larger than the first game, featuring multiple perspectives and a longer runtime.

This may be why Mazin and co-creator Neil Druckmann are considering stretching the story across more than three seasons.

For now, HBO has only officially confirmed seasons two and three. Whether a fourth season happens will likely depend on audience reception and viewership numbers.