Neil Druckmann, co-president of Naughty Dog, has revealed that he possesses a preliminary “concept” for the potential third and final installment of The Last of Us series.
Speaking in the concluding segment of the insightful behind-the-scenes documentary Grounded 2: Making The Last of Us Part 2, Druckmann acknowledged the absence of a fully developed storyline but expressed excitement about a burgeoning idea that rivals the appeal of the first game.
Druckmann reflected on the current concluding point, stating, “If we never get to do it again, this is a fine ending point. The last bite of the apple, the story’s done.”
He emphasized the creative freedom at Naughty Dog, stating that while the team would welcome another installment of The Last of Us, they are equally supportive of exploring new, passionate endeavors. Druckmann acknowledged the privileged position Naughty Dog holds in making such decisions and expressed gratitude for it.
Although Druckmann previously struggled to formulate additional ideas for the storyline over the years, he now asserts having a “concept” that recently materialized.
While he clarified the absence of a detailed narrative, he described the concept as equally thrilling as the first and second parts of the series, asserting its uniqueness while maintaining a cohesive throughline for all three games. This revelation implies the existence of a potential final chapter for The Last of Us series.
The mention of “one more chapter” raises speculation that if a third installment is developed, it might serve as the concluding chapter for the highly acclaimed series. However, Druckmann’s remarks don’t confirm the production of the third game.
In addition to the gaming realm, fans can also look forward to the award-winning TV adaptation of The Last of Us. Notably, Catherine O’Hara, known for her roles in Schitt’s Creek and the Home Alone films, has joined the cast for the show’s second season. While her character remains undisclosed, rumors suggest she may play a recurring role as a new character named Gail.