The Last of Us franchise has seen a significant increase in interest, thanks to the HBO adaptation, the remake of Part 1, and the remastered version of Part 2. Here, we explore the potential of The Last of Us Part 3, including all the circulating rumors and leaks.
The Last of Us Part II was one of the most anticipated games of the last decade, born out of the incredible popularity and acclaim the first game brought.
While some fans were unimpressed with the sequel’s story, many saw it as a worthwhile addition to what is considered one of the best games ever made.
The second game saw Ellie seek revenge for the murder of Joel, as well as navigating her relationship with her girlfriend Dina. Those who played the game will know that much was left open-ended, with Ellie allowing Abby to live and Dina disappearing after Ellie ignored her pleas to stay.
There’s certainly room for a sequel, and here are all the latest details on a potential one.
Ellie lets Abby (pictured) live in TLOU II’s emotional conclusion.
Are there any rumors and leaks for The Last of Us Part 3?
In January 2023, the creator of Part 1, and creative director of Part II, Neil Druckmann, addressed the possibility of Part 3 during a Buzzfeed interview stating:
“Our process is the same thing we did when we did Part 2, which is if we can come up with a compelling story that has this universal message and statement about love — just like the first and second game did — then we will tell that story. If we can’t come up with something, we have a very strong ending with Part 2 and that will be the end.”
In April 2021, Neil Druckmann, Creative Director of Part II, officially confirmed that he has penned a story outline for a third game. However, it’s not in active development.
Neil Druckmann tells Script Apart podcast that the plot & story for “The Last of Us Part 3” is already done, but the game is not in development…yet. pic.twitter.com/1SxKzUm4qm
According to Oops Leaks, a credible leaker of information, Naughty Dog are actively working on several projects at the minute, including The Last of Us Part III: “The outline of the script is ready, but the studio is engrossed in the development of the aforementioned projects.”
Confirming what we already knew, however, they go on to say: “It is possible that development will begin faster than expected due to [the] studio’s expansion.”
The Last of Us Part III
Nothing but official statements from the studio, the outline of the script is ready, but the studio is engrossed in the development of the aforementioned projects. It is possible that development will begin faster than expected due to studio’s expansion.
— Oops Leaks (@oopsleaks) March 31, 2022
It seems inevitable that a third game would pick up on Ellie’s story, perhaps revolving around her relationship with Dina. Abby’s involvement would not be guaranteed, but Ellie could yet change her mind over her merciful behavior at the end of Part II.
The very fact that Druckmann has taken the time to plot the third installment is very good news for the series’ fans. In fact, in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter ahead of the tv series’ premiere, Druckmann again teased that a third installment could be on the way.
Neil Druckmann when asked about ‘The Last of Us Part III’ 🎮
“I think there’s more story to tell”
(via @THR | #TheLastOfUs) pic.twitter.com/m5iphvoHcs
— ScreenTime (@screentime) January 4, 2023
Druckmann said “I think there’s more story to tell,” while also promising not to run into a Game of Thrones problem where the television show outpaces the source material.
He followed up his teasing comments in an interview with IGN in February 2023, in which he pledged to only make Part 3 if they’re able to pin down a “really good compelling story” .
Does The Last of Us Part III have a release date?
Given that the game was not in development as of Spring 2021, and still currently does not appear to be in development, any release will still be some years away yet.
The original game dropped in 2013, with its sequel announced in 2016 and launching in 2020 (following a couple of major delays). Even an official announcement, then, seems some way off.