Will there be a Last of Us Part 3? What the developers say about sequel

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Fortunately for us, the developers have been saying some interesting things about a potential Last of Us 3. Unfortunately, we likely won't see what Naughty Dog has been working on for quite some time.

Until we're shown what the famous studio has been developing, we have The Last of Us Season 2 to look forward to, which has its cast revealed – and we're sure even more tears will be shed along the way.

Keep reading to find out if there will be a Last of Us Part 3 or not, and to see what the developers have said on the anticipated sequel.

Will there be a Last of Us Part 3?

While The Last of Us Part 3 hasn’t been officially confirmed, it seems likely that Sony could want Naughty Dog to develop a sequel, especially given the successes of The Last of Us TV show, the Part 1 remake and now Part 2 Remastered.

Recent comments by Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann in a YouTube documentary about the creation of The Last of Us Part 2 have suggested that The Last of Us Part 3 is being worked on – at least, it's being thought about.

At the end of the Grounded II: Making The Last of Us Part II documentary, Druckmann explains his thought process behind a third game, detailing the need for a concept.

He explains: "For years, I haven't been able to find that concept. But recently that's changed. I don't have a story, but I do have a concept, that, to me, is as exciting as one, as exciting as two, is its own thing, yet has this through-line for all three."

He adds "It does feel like there's probably one more chapter to this story."

Skip to 1:56:35 in the video below (it should auto-play from that point) to hear Druckmann's thoughts in full:

Exciting stuff.

Back in November 2023, it felt as though Naughty Dog itself wasn't in much of a hurry. Speaking to Nick Romano for Entertainment Weekly, Druckmann said: "The Last of Us is obviously a world I love deeply, and [I] know our studio and fans do as well, but I have no comment at this moment on the series's future beyond our focus on The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered."

He added: "We have other projects in the works at Naughty Dog."

What this project might be is currently unknown, as Druckmann told Natasha Jokic for BuzzFeed that it won't be another Uncharted game, since Naughty Dog was "able to put our final brushstroke on that story and say that we're done". "We're moving on," he finished.

But all is not lost, as Druckmann definitely seems keen to explore a third game.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter ahead of The Last of Us TV show's premiere, Druckmann couldn't reveal if Part 3 is in the works at Naughty Dog, but said: "I think there’s more story to tell."

Finally, looking back to 2021, on the Script Apart podcast (thanks, IGN), Druckmann explained that he (and co-writer Halley Gross) have written an outline for a story.

Druckmann noted at the time that Naughty Dog "is not making" the game yet, but he has hopes that their idea "can see the light of day" eventually. He added that the story outline for Part 3 which was written "explores a little bit what happens after" TLOU 2.

Druckmann is quick to point out, however, that "these [TLOU] games take so much to make" and that "you want to make sure you’re jazzed by the idea that you have, [that] it feels like it’s challenging".

Given the seven-year gap between Part 1 and Part 2, expect to wait a long time before a third game in the series materialises.

He adds that Naughty Dog takes "a long time to explore different ideas, whether it’s going to be Last of Us 3, whether it’s something new, whether there’s some old franchise" it wants to go back to.

Time will tell if the studio’s next major title is The Last of Us Part 3, but we’d be shocked if it never happens.

What are our Last of Us 3 predictions?

Seeing as there may be many years ahead before The Last of Us Part 3 comes to fruition, we'll try our hand at some predictions and speculation to see where the story might go. Before we continue, however, be aware that major spoilers lie ahead.

As Ellie may hold the key to saving humanity with her immunity to the cordyceps fungus, she may choose to sacrifice herself in the hopes that a cure may be found and undo Joel's actions from the first game.

It might not just be altruism that leads her to this decision. Ellie has lost a lot and killed many in her life. We've already seen just how much of a toll this has taken on her. Allowing herself to die may feel like more of a relief and an atonement for the sins committed in her name and by her own hand.

Other characters, such as Lev, may have their stories explored further, or perhaps a new character will take centre stage. A third game may even explore the fight for power in a world filled with new hope in the way of a vaccine, should one be found.

Even if it were, it might not be able to be made in significant quantities, causing outrage. Who would get it first? Would those who have committed terrible crimes, such as bandits, cannibals or members of FEDRA be acquitted or punished? All these factions would no doubt fight back if denied a vaccine.

FEDRA may even position themselves to reinstate the United States government's control, though their numbers are lacking.

The possibilities are endless, so we shan't waffle any further!

Read more on The Last of Us:

• The Last of Us TV show review - why it's worth watching
• The Last of Us TV show changes - creators talk deviations
• The Last of Us meets The Mandalorian - Pedro Pascal on similarities
• The Last of Us Part 1 review - our verdict on the remade game
• The Last of Us PC - when does Part 1 hit computers?
• The Last of Us film - why Sam Raimi movie died
• The Last of Us PS5 - versions and consoles explained
• The Last of Us Left Behind - the DLC explained
• The Last of Us 2 multiplayer - Factions follow-up explained
• The Last of Us 2 trophies - full list to collect
• The Last of Us 2 chapters - how many are there?
• The Last of Us 2 safe codes - open all locked doors
• How long is The Last of Us 2? How many hours you'll need
• The Last of Us 2 PS5 upgrade - how to get it
• The Last of Us 2 PC - when will Part 2 reach computers?

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