Naughty Dog sits out 'The Last of Us' season 3 as Druckmann teases future projects
Neil Druckmann, co-creator of 'The Last of Us,' is officially sitting on the sidelines for the HBO show's final season. According to GameSpot and IGN, Druckmann told The Washington Post that he "wasn't involved in shaping this season's creative direction," and that his studio, Naughty Dog, also had no creative input for season three.
This is a major shift from the show's first two seasons, where Druckmann was heavily involved as a co-writer and director. He has stepped back to focus on the studio's gaming output, including the upcoming title 'Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.'
Despite the TV show's impending conclusion, Druckmann made it clear the franchise isn't over. Per IGN, he said Naughty Dog remains "the steward of this IP" and confirmed there are "a couple projects in the works" for 'The Last of Us' universe, though he didn't specify if that means a third game or something else.
GameSpot notes that Druckmann's statement aligns with HBO's previous suggestion that the series would likely end after three seasons. The outlet also reported that actor Troy Baker, who played Joel in the games, recently said, "I definitely know we've not seen the last of Joel."
On the casting front, IGN reports that Peter Sarsgaard has joined the show's final season in a new, non-game role, while Li Jun Li will play the character Miriam.
