The Last of Us future after season 3 addressed by HBO boss

HBO boss Casey Bloys has all but confirmed that season 3 will be the final season of The Last of Us.

The third instalment, which is set to be released next year, will change perspectives to follow WLF soldier Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). It's thought to be currently filming in British Columbia, Canada.

Speaking to Deadline, Bloys didn't share a release date but, when asked if it'll be the last season of the show, said: "I think [showrunner] Craig [Mazin] has planned it as the final season."

The cast is also shaping up, with Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring) and Jason Ritter (Matlock) joining Dever and Bella Ramsey.

Wilson will be portraying Jerry Anderson, Abby's father, while Ritter will be playing an original character, Washington Liberation Front soldier Hanley.

Alongside these two new additions, three returning faces have been promoted to regular roles.

Mel (Ariela Barer), Nora (Tati Gabrielle) and Owen (Spencer Lord), who were introduced as part of season 2, will all be core characters of season 3, with the story set to focus more heavily on Abby than Ellie.

The trio join fellow returning cast members Isabela Merced, Gabriel Luna and Jeffrey Wright, as well as already-announced newcomers Clea DuVall and Jorge Lendeborg Jr.

There are also some changes behind the scenes, with former co-showrunner Neil Druckmann exiting the series.

The hit series has so far followed Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Ramsey) on their journey across apocalyptic America, after a mass fungal infection caused the collapse of society by transforming its hosts into zombie-like creatures.

We've had plenty of devastating twists and turns so far - most notably, Joel's shock fate - but it seems there's plenty more to come in season 3.

Abby, who will be the focus of season 3, has had her fair share of heartbreak, and we're set to learn even more about her backstory. Buckle in!

The Last of Us seasons 1-2 are available to watch on HBO Max and NOW.

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Authors

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.