Deep breaths. HBO didn’t kill The Last of Us. Everything is fine. Well, not fine. The world is still a sh** show. But the actual show? Yeah, it’s coming.

What actually happened is production on season 3 hit pause on June 1 and will resume on June 28. According to the Director’s Guild of Canada’s British Columbia production list, The Last of Us (which goes by the pseudonym “Calm Current” for production purposes) is on a temporary hiatus. That’s it.

Except the internet saw “hiatus” and read “canceled.” And for a moment there, we all lost it.

Now, Why the Pause?

The hiatus is happening because the World Cup is taking place in Vancouver from June 13 through July 7. The Last of Us films in British Columbia. Therefore, the pause is tied to local preparations for the matches. And this was always planned. This wasn’t some emergency shutdown. HBO and production knew this was coming.

Per the Los Angeles Times, sources close to production confirmed that the temporary pause from June 1 through June 28 was all according to plan. The show is still scheduled to wrap filming in late November, and Season 3 will premiere in 2027.

The Last Of Us Season 3 Is About to Get Messy (Spoiler Alerts)

Now, for the tea: Season 3 is shifting focus entirely. Bella Ramsey’s Ellie is stepping back, while Pedro Pascal’s Joel is already dead (RIP to a legend). This time, the spotlight is on Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby.

If you played the game, you already know this. However, if you only watched season 2, you’re probably still mad about it. The show is asking you to spend an entire season in Abby’s perspective, following her journey through post-apocalyptic Seattle before her path collided with Ellie’s. Dever told Deadline in April 2025 that she went into season 3 with pure excitement, not fear. She also said the scripts and dialogue are so amazing that she has zero hesitation.

The challenge, according to showrunner Craig Mazin, is making us question our feelings for Abby. As he told the Los Angeles Times: “Our challenge now is to make you question whether you hate Abby at all and maybe make you start to love her and then be confused. Where are my loyalties? What is the concept of a hero?”

The Casting Is Changing

Let’s talk about who’s in and who’s out. Danny Ramirez played Manny in season 2, but according to NJ.com, he’s exiting due to scheduling conflicts. Jorge Lendeborg Jr. is stepping into the role for season 3.

Similarly, the show is bringing in some serious talent. Jason Ritter is joining as Hanley, a Washington Liberation Front soldier. Patrick Wilson is playing Abby’s father, Jerry. And Clea DuVall and Li Jun Li are joining as members of the Seraphite cult.

Returning for season 3 are Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Isabela Merced as Dina, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, and Spencer Lord as Owen.

But Wait, Is There Going to Be a Season 4?

Here’s the thing that showrunner Craig Mazin said that has everyone in their feelings: “There’s no way to complete this narrative in a third season. Hopefully, we’ll earn our keep enough to come back and finish it in a fourth.”

According to the Los Angeles Times, HBO CEO Casey Bloys said last year that the series is definitely planned for 2027, but Craig Mazin is still working out whether it will be two more seasons or one more long season. So there you have it. No cancellation. Actually, quite the opposite: we might even get a season 4.

Tags: The Last of Us