Craig Mazin, the brains behind HBO’s hit live-action adaptation of The Last of Us, spilled the beans on the future of the show. He revealed that the team is currently mapping out a plan for four seasons, claiming that trying to wrap up the story in just three seasons is simply not feasible.
Back in 2023, Mazin initially suggested that the show could potentially span three to five seasons, but ultimately settled on four as the sweet spot. HBO executive Francesca Orsi also hinted at the likelihood of four seasons earlier this year, emphasizing that the network is leaning towards this direction. Despite not having a concrete plan in place, Orsi deferred to Mazin’s vision for the series, hinting at a total of four seasons to bring the story to a close.
Now, in a recent interview with Collider, Mazin dived deeper into the narrative choices for the upcoming seasons. Reflecting on the impact of a pivotal moment involving Joel in season two, Mazin highlighted the challenges of deviating from such a significant storyline. He mentioned the possibility of a longer third season to accommodate the evolving narrative, hinting at the inevitability of a fourth season to tie up all loose ends. According to Mazin, “That’s the most likely outcome.”
As season two nears its conclusion with just one episode left, opinions on the latest installment have been mixed compared to the universally praised first season. Some critics, like The Last of Us enthusiast Victoria Kennedy from Eurogamer, have questioned whether the show’s creators may have taken on more than they can handle. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the reception of the current season, the future of The Last of Us remains promising with the prospect of additional seasons on the horizon.