Craig Mazin confirms The Last of Us season 4 plans are necessary to complete the ongoing story of Ellie and Abby, with HBO’s adaptation set to extend beyond a third season. This development was highlighted by both showrunner Craig Mazin and comments from series composer Staley, who suggested that the narrative will need additional time to cover all key events.
Showrunners Discuss Storyline and Number of Seasons
In a recent podcast appearance, Staley stated,
There’ll be at least two more seasons, no question,
—Staley, Composer, and added,
At least, that’s all I’m gonna say.
—Staley, Composer, making it clear that the creative team does not intend to rush the show’s progression. Meanwhile, Mazin indicated in an interview with GamesRadar+ that he and co-showrunner Neil Druckmann are
taking their time as best as they can
—Craig Mazin, Showrunner, and hinted at
perhaps a season 4 the way we think is correct.
—Craig Mazin, Showrunner, underscoring their commitment to a thorough adaptation.
Adapting the Expansive Story from Game to TV
The show began by adapting the first game in nine episodes for season one. For season two, the narrative is set to cover only the first half of The Last of Us Part 2, following Ellie’s pursuit of Abby. Season three will center on Abby’s perspective, specifically the three days she spends in Seattle while Ellie and Dina are present in the city. This careful approach allows the show to fully explore both main characters’ journeys and motivations.
Why a Fourth Season Is Needed to Finish the Story
A fourth season appears crucial, as the latter parts of the game focus on time after the Seattle events, highlighting Ellie’s attempts at a quieter life with Dina before a final confrontation with Abby. The storyline involves significant time jumps and aftermath, making it challenging to fit these developments into the current three-season structure. The creative team has suggested that these storylines require more space to do justice to both Ellie and Abby’s characters. At this stage, specifics about the structure of season four—such as alternating perspectives or focusing on a single character—remain undecided.
Current Status and What’s Next for The Last of Us on HBO
With HBO already confirming a third season renewal ahead of the second season’s premiere, the network demonstrates strong confidence in the series’ ongoing appeal. The Last of Us season 2 is now available for streaming on HBO Max in the US, and is accessible to UK audiences on Sky and NOW. As the show continues, fans can anticipate a carefully paced adaptation that aims to fully reflect the complexities of Ellie and Abby’s intertwined stories in future episodes and potential seasons.
