Craig Mazin discusses The Last of Us Season 3 filming delay as fans learn that production has not begun, with sources pointing to a premiere no earlier than late 2026. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have addressed expectations following Season 2, revealing ongoing script development and a challenging production schedule.
Anticipation Builds as Production Timeline Shifts
The Last of Us Season 3 has officially been renewed, but there is no set release date as filming is still on hold. The Season 2 finale, which aired on May 25, left viewers eager for more. However, according to recent updates, there is still significant work to be done before cameras roll. Bella Ramsey, Isabella Merced, and Kaitlyn Dever are expected to reprise their roles in the upcoming season, but fans should prepare for a longer wait than originally anticipated.
Prior to the Season 2 finale, Mazin and Druckmann spoke openly about the future of beloved characters such as Ellie, Dina, Tommy, and Jesse. Notably, Jesse met his end in the last episode, but storylines for Ellie and other key figures like Ramsey’s Dina remain unresolved. The creative team’s current focus appears to be on completing the scripts before production can proceed.
Bella Ramsey commented on her involvement and the early stage of preparation, sharing her limited knowledge about the upcoming season.
I think that I’m going to be there, but not a whole bunch. We’ve had conversations about that. I sort of have a rough idea of what it’s going to be, but I can’t tell you.
—Bella Ramsey, Actor
Although the exact start date for filming is uncertain, Isabella Merced suggested that cameras could start rolling next year. Should this timeline hold, audiences may not see new episodes until late 2026 or even into 2027, extending the interval since Season 2’s conclusion.
New Directions and Storylines: What to Expect
Season 3 of The Last of Us is shaping up to be a turning point for the series, shifting some focus from Bella Ramsey’s perspective as Ellie to Kaitlyn Dever portraying Abby. This fresh viewpoint is expected to add new layers to the narrative, while familiar faces such as Dina and Tommy could see their stories further explored.
The scale of The Last of Us production continues to increase, presenting logistical and creative challenges for showrunners. Craig Mazin spoke about the growing scope of the series:
It’s getting harder to make, because every episode gets big. You don’t want to wait four years for a 17-episode finish, or whatever it is.
—Craig Mazin, Showrunner
This complexity is part of the reason production has not started, as the team wants to maintain high standards without lengthy gaps between episodes. Meanwhile, Druckmann emphasized the epic aspirations they hold for the upcoming season and teased important developments for key characters:
We’re telling you that next season, one, there’s an epic nature to everything that’s about to happen. But this other story is going to be really important coming backing to Joel and Ellie and everything we’ve seen so far.
—Neil Druckmann, Showrunner
Character Arcs and Unresolved Plotlines
With the deaths of central figures like Pedro Pascal’s Joel and Jesse, the direction of the series has shifted. However, Mazin and Druckmann have confirmed that audiences have not seen the last of Dever, Ramsey, or Merced. They also indicated that backstories for other characters, including those no longer present, may be further explored in Season 3.
The show’s ability to build intense drama and address unresolved arcs for Dina, Tommy, and Abby keeps anticipation high among fans. Discussions about the future from industry hubs like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, as well as actors like Isabella Merced, reinforce the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the next chapter.
What Lies Ahead for The Last of Us
The series, now streaming on Max in the US, stands at a crossroads as the creative team finalizes scripts and outlines for the new season. The Craig Mazin discusses The Last of Us Season 3 filming delay underscores the demanding nature of delivering high-quality, large-scale episodes. With Bella Ramsey, Kaitlyn Dever, and Isabella Merced returning, and showrunners Mazin and Druckmann guiding production, fans can expect an epic narrative when the show returns, albeit not before late 2026. For now, viewers must wait as production preparations continue and the world of The Last of Us evolves.
