Naughty Dog: “Don’t bet on there being more of Last of Us”

After teasing the possibility of The Last of Us Part 3 for a few years, Neil Druckmann of Naughty Dog appears to have had a change of heart. In an interview with Variety discussing Season 2 of The Last of Us television show, Neil was asked about a potential third game.

“I was waiting for this question,” Druckmann said, sighing, when asked about a third game. “I guess the only thing I would say is don’t count on there being more of ‘The Last of Us.’ This might be it.”

Previously, Neil had mentioned having an idea for Part 3. “I don’t have a story, but I do have that concept,” he mentioned in February 2024. “That, to me, is as exciting as the first two games, it’s its own thing, yet maintains a connection for all three. So it feels like… there’s probably one more chapter to this story.”

Back in 2021, Druckmann had outlined a story and there had been “quite a bit” of discussion about the game.

This isn’t the first time Naughty Dog has made such statements. After releasing Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Naughty Dog Creative Director Shaun Escayg hinted at the possibility of more from the Uncharted world. However, a few years later, they firmly stated they were “done” with the franchise.

Naughty Dog’s upcoming game and new franchise is Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, delving into the realm of science fiction set thousands of years in the future. They have mentioned working on “multiple” single-player games, but not related to Uncharted or The Last of Us.

The Variety interview also provides hints about what to expect from Season 2 of the television show. Bella Ramsey suggests that a significant emotional scene will be included in the series.

“I’m nervous about some of the intense emotional scenes, fearing I won’t be satisfied with my performance,” she expressed, mentioning that for “the darkest scene this season,” they listened to the song Peanut Butter Jelly Time. The choice of the upbeat song during a dark moment remains unexplained. “I was on the floor, my eyes burning with menthol tears, just saying, ‘Peanut Butter Jelllll-y,'” Bella added.

It’s also revealed that we will meet Eugene, portrayed by Joe Pantoliano, a character referenced in the game as the owner of the cannabis den where Ellie and Dina spend a night.

Source: Variety