The Last of Us Star Responds To Surprise Season 3 Departure

The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey has addressed a surprise change-up occurring for the show’s third season.

The Last of Us was one of HBO’s biggest shows back in 2023, receiving high praise from critics and viewers alike over the course of its first season.

The second season was also received well, but viewers were a bit more divided on the writing. Deviations from source material and some structural inconsistencies were criticised.

However, there’s no denying that a lot of criticism levied towards the season was also the result of a mass review bombing campaign. Some viewers accused the show of “woke culture” due to its depiction of queer relationships and strong female characters (have these people even played The Last of Us?).

After the second season had finished airing, it was announced that series co-creator Neil Druckmann and writer Halley Gross had departed from the show’s writing room, citing other projects that needed their full attention.

However, there was some speculation from fans that this may have also been due to creative differences with HBO over the show’s writing process.

Now, The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie in the series, has responded to criticism against the season, as well as addressing the surprise departure from Druckmann.

“You don't have to watch it,” Ramsey said in an episode of The Awardist podcast released on 20th August. “If you hate it that much, the game exists. You can just play the game again. If you do want to watch it, then I hope you enjoy it.”

Responding to Druckmann’s departure as showrunner for Season 3, they said: “He’ll be obviously greatly missed. The show and the story is his heart and soul, so he’s still very much there with us, I guess. Just not as actively involved. But he is The Last of Us, he’ll always be with us.”

As for what’s happening with the next season, Ramsey has said they “know what it’s in store” for them, but that they “can’t share any of those top secret conversations.”

We don’t have a solid air date for The Last of Us Season 3 yet, though it’s expected to release some time in 2027.