FANS of HBO’s hit horror series “The Last of Us” can officially mark their calendars for the highly anticipated return of Joel and Ellie. The network has announced that Season 2 will premiere in Spring 2025, as confirmed by Casey Bloys, HBO and Max Content CEO and Chairman, during a 2025 programming slate presentation.
The announcement, first reported by IGN, was accompanied by a teaser video showcasing Max’s 2025 lineup. While brief, the footage offered tantalizing glimpses of the new season, including growing tensions between Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) following the climactic events of Season 1. The teaser also unveiled Catherine O’Hara as a guest star and Jeffrey Wright reprising his role as Isaac, a character he voiced in The Last of Us Part II video game.
Familiar Faces and New Additions
Season 2 picks up after the emotional fallout of the Season 1 finale, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey returning as Joel and Ellie. Joining them are returning cast members Gabriel Luna (Tommy) and Rutina Wesley (Maria). The new season also introduces a fresh roster of characters, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, and Danny Ramirez as Manny.
Star-Studded Creative Team
The directorial lineup for Season 2 is just as impressive. Mark Mylod (Succession, The Menu), Nina Lopez-Corrado (Perry Mason), Stephen Williams (Watchmen), and Kate Herron (Loki) join returning directors Peter Hoar, Craig Mazin, and Neil Druckmann, ensuring the series maintains its cinematic storytelling.
Expanding the Story
Season 2 will adapt The Last of Us Part II, the sequel to the original video game, but fans should prepare for a multi-season journey. The sequel’s sprawling narrative, filled with multiple perspectives and emotional depth, is expected to unfold over at least two seasons.
A Brutal Journey of Survival
Set twenty years after a fungal outbreak decimates modern civilization, The Last of Us follows Joel, a battle-hardened survivor, and Ellie, a teenage girl immune to the infection, as they navigate a brutal, post-apocalyptic world. What begins as a small job turns into a harrowing trek across the U.S., testing their trust, resolve, and humanity.
Fans can catch a glimpse of what’s to come in the teaser video, offering just enough to stoke anticipation for what promises to be another heart-wrenching chapter in the The Last of Us saga.