The Last of Us saga is at a pivotal moment, with the franchise expanding its horizons and undergoing significant changes in its television universe. In recent months, both video game and series fans have witnessed important announcements and developments affecting future releases and the HBO Max production.
On one hand, the television adaptation—which has garnered a huge following since its premiere and received significant award nominations—is preparing for a new direction following the departure of Neil Druckmann , one of the key figures behind the original story. On the other hand, the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of an official book containing the complete scripts for the first two video games, along with previously unpublished material and very special bonus content for the most demanding fans.
Neil Druckmann leaves the HBO Max series: continuity assured
In early July, Neil Druckmann , the acclaimed creator and writer behind The Last of Us , announced his departure from the HBO Max series . His decision stems from his desire to focus his efforts on Naughty Dog and future projects with the studio. This means that Craig Mazin , involved with the series since its inception and known for his work on Chernobyl, will now take the creative reins for the upcoming third season.
HBO has sought to reassure fans . CEO Casey Bloys emphasized that Mazin has had Druckmann's full support from the beginning and that the series' script will faithfully adhere to the original vision . "Craig is a professional, so we believe the story will continue in good hands," Bloys stated, underscoring the importance of Druckmann's creative legacy for the television adaptation.
Actress Bella Ramsey , who plays Ellie, has also spoken out, emphasizing that while Druckmann's absence will be felt, his influence remains throughout the franchise. "It will always be his creation, and we make sure to honor his work every step of the way," Ramsey explained in a recent interview, offering confidence and poise regarding the series' future.
Regarding the schedule, the next season is expected to hit HBO Max screens in 2027, although the jury is still out on whether it will be one long installment or split into two seasons. The first two seasons are already available for on-demand viewing.
The official The Last of Us book arrives: scripts, artwork, and more
Alongside the events of the series, the saga continues to expand its universe with the release of a previously unpublished book compiling the scripts for the first two installments developed for PlayStation. Titled "The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts ," this work is authored by Neil Druckmann and Halley Gross, and also includes a foreword by Troy Baker , the actor who voiced Joel in the video games and James in the series.
The book, which will arrive in US bookstores on December 16 , offers fans the chance to relive the most significant moments of the entire narrative: from the beginning in Boston with Joel and Ellie, through the thrilling giraffe adventure, to the intense climax in the hospital and Abby's storyline in the second installment. The edition will include a gallery of concept art designed by Hyoung Nam and a cover design that pays homage to the saga's famous Cordyceps fungus.
In addition to the main content, the book boasts 618 pages and promises an intimate look at the development and creative atmosphere surrounding the franchise during its inception. According to the authors themselves, the scripts were originally intended to guide the development team and were never meant for publication, making this release a special event for the fan community.
The organizers emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, with Halley Gross noting that this compilation represents "a celebration of what can be achieved when we work together." Pre-orders are now open on platforms like Amazon, and the initial price is expected to be around $54,99 . There is still no confirmation regarding distribution outside the United States, so fans in other countries will have to keep an eye out for any announcements.
