The Last of Us Season 2 Release Date Window Revealed by HBO

Fans of The Last of Us could be venturing back into HBO's fungus-filled world much sooner than anticipated. Based on the acclaimed video game franchise of the same name (Produced by Naughty Dog studios), The Last of Us explores the remnants of human civilization over a decade after a fungal zombie outbreak. Following Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), the show follows their journey across the decimated country, as Ellie could be the cure for the infection. Season 2 is one of the most-anticipated upcoming shows (especially because of the controversial second video game), and fans are desperate to know when Joel and Ellie will return to our screens.

"[They will premiere around] generally first half of [2025]," Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, told Deadline at this year's Emmys. HBO had few shows in contention at this year's awards, with FX sweeping the major categories. However, 2025 could be HBO's year once again, as the network is planning to release two of its biggest upcoming shows in time for next year's awards. In addition to The Last of Us, the third season of the hit-dark comedy The White Lotus is expected to also release around the same time. "I expect them to be in the Emmy window," Bloys continued

During the conversation, Casey Bloys revealed that they've seen some of The Last of Us' second season, and had nothing but praise for co-showrunner Craig Mazin. "I've seen Last of Us. I think everybody is going to love what [co-creator] Craig [Mazin] is doing." However, Bloys has yet to see a completed episode of The White Lotus, although they're still clued in on the production process, saying, "White Lotus, I haven't seen anything yet, but I went to visit. Obviously, I've seen dailies and read scripts, so high hopes for both of them."

Filming Has Wrapped on The Last of Us Season 2

Casey Bloys' reveal of The Last of Us hitting screens early next year means work is moving ahead well on the show's post-production. In August, MovieWeb reported that Season 2 had officially wrapped shooting, as was revealed by editor Timothy Good. In a heartfelt post on social media, Good wrote:

"Wrapped! Congratulations to the incredible production crew of #TheLastOfUs season 2. We will bring your hard work home now!"

As well as returning favorites Joel and Ellie, Season 2 of The Last of Us will introduce some new major players in the post-apocalyptic world. Having Ellie's back for the majority of the new season is Dina (Isabella Merced). Providing the series follows the games as closely as its first season, expect a major time jump as Ellie and Joel settle in to their new home in Jackson, Wyoming. Ellie quickly befriends Dina, and the pair set off outside the settlement for a [redacted for spoilers] mission.

As well as a new ally, the second season of The Last of Us will also introduce the game's best antagonist (depending on your perspective). Kaitlyn Dever is bringing Abby to life on screen in the new season. A former member of the Fireflies, Abby has a seething hatred for Joel, following the shocking finale of Season 1.