The Last of Us 2027 Return Expected, Part 3 Feels Likelier Than Ever

Filming will soon commence on The Last of Us’ third season ahead of an expected return in 2027.

Production filings confirm the third season will film from 2 March until 27 November, taking up most of 2026.

That’s no real surprise, if you ask me. Abby’s side of the story is pretty hefty, plus there’s the Santa Barbara epilogue to deal with if this is The Last of Us’ final season.

Two years separated the series’ first two seasons, so a spring 2027 launch would be in keeping with that pattern.

Filming Runs From March Until November, Ahead of a 2027 Return

I will note that this filming period is two months longer than that of season two, so it stands to reason that we may get a longer season this time around.

This isn’t a chapter of the story you want to rush, which is perhaps what let the second season down, so hopefully the episode count will be closer to nine or 10.

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The only other confirmed update we have for the series is that two new faces have been confirmed to join the cast.

Jorge Lendeborg Jr. replaces Danny Ramirez as Manny after the latter had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, while 90s icon Clea DuVall joins as an unnamed seraphite.

Originally, I thought DuVall might be playing The Prophet we hear of, but she does share a resemblance with the seraphite who almost guts Abby in that forest scene.

The Last of Us Part II, Credit / SIE

You may recall that The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann stepped away from his role as co-showrunner following the conclusion of the second season.

The official reason is that Druckmann wants to return to dedicating all of his time to Naughty Dog, but many wondered whether he might’ve fallen out with Mazin over creative differences.

Season 2 wasn’t terrible, but its dumbing down of Ellie in later episodes did ultimately result in it lacking the intensity and ferocity of the games.

As such, Mazin has got an uphill battle to get viewers back on side. I do think Abby’s side of the story is more engaging with some impressive set pieces; it’s surely harder to mess up?

The Last of Us Part III Feels More Likely Than Ever

Outside of this, Druckmann’s exit bodes well for The Last of Us Part III, a game which remains unannounced despite several vague teases over the years.

I’ve always been very vocal about the fact that The Last of Us feels like a trilogy to me.

Yes, Part II could be considered a satisfying ending but I feel there’s scope for one more tale.

We’ve explored love. We’ve explored revenge. What about redemption?

Druckmann’s exit from the show could signal a desire to return to The Last of Us on his own terms. In other words, to begin production on that third game.

It’s also rather telling that The Last of Us is due to end after its upcoming third season according to new reports.

Game of Thrones famously outlasted George R.R. Martin’s books. I can’t see Druckmann wanting HBO’s The Last of Us to potentially jeopardise a potential Part III video game.

My only hope is that Part III includes Abby as much as it includes Ellie. Both characters are key to the experience now. Druckmann, don’t let me down.