**Kaitlyn Dever Confirms ‘The Last of Us’ Season 3 Begins Prep Work**
Key Takeaways:
- Kaitlyn Dever confirms production for ‘The Last of Us’ Season 3 is starting soon
- Season 3 will expand Abby’s perspective, reflecting key narrative shifts from the video game
- Series co-creator Neil Druckmann steps back from day-to-day involvement
Los Angeles — “The Last of Us” is trending after actor Kaitlyn Dever confirmed that production on Season 3 of the HBO series is set to begin imminently. Her comments came just days ago during a new interview with Deadline, reinforcing fan speculation following the dramatic cliffhanger ending of Season 2 and heightening anticipation for the continuation of one of HBO’s most acclaimed adaptations.
Abby’s Story Takes Center Stage
Speaking to Deadline on Monday, June 3, 2024, Dever said she is “getting mentally and physically prepped” to return to set in the coming days. She teased that the new season will show a dramatic shift in character focus, stating, “The fans are really going to like it, I think—the shifting perspective onto Abby, getting some more context onto her storyline and going back in time with this season.”
Dever’s portrayal of Abby—a major figure in the game sequel, The Last of Us Part II—was introduced at the end of Season 2, where she confronts Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) in Seattle in a tense and violent exchange that culminates in a cliffhanger. According to the show’s structure, Season 3 will mirror the structure of the video game, returning to the events leading up to this moment but from Abby’s perspective, giving fans a deeper understanding of her motivations and past.
Key Creatives Step Back Ahead of Season 3
This confirmation of production news follows a recent creative shakeup inside the HBO camp. Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the original video game franchise and executive producer of the adaptation, has officially stepped back from his writing and directing duties for the new season. His role now remains strictly executive despite having played a hands-on role in previous episodes.
Additionally, writer and executive producer Halley Gross, who co-wrote “The Last of Us Part II” alongside Druckmann, also exited her daily involvement on the show, sparking further curiosity about the possible new tone or direction Season 3 might take.
This change in the production team adds intrigue to what many expect will be the show’s most complex and emotionally wrenching season, as it will tackle topics including grief, vengeance, and moral ambiguity in a post-collapse America.
Why Now? The Timing Behind the Trend
The Google Trends spike follows not only Dever’s comments from June 3rd, but also HBO’s increasing promotional activity surrounding Season 3. Fans are eager for updates after Season 2’s intense finale aired in early May, leaving several character fates unresolved. Messaging around the start of production, plus the shift in narrative perspective, has resonated strongly with fans of the franchise—particularly those familiar with the controversial but artistically ambitious choices made in the game sequel from 2020.
“The Last of Us” franchise has sustained its popularity since its premiere in 2023. Its initial season won critical acclaim and viewership records, drawing tens of millions of viewers per episode, and elevating its stars—including Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey—into mainstream stardom. Season 2 continued the story five years after the events of Season 1, embracing more complicated themes and introducing new lead characters, including Dever’s Abby.
What to Expect from Season 3 and Beyond
HBO has not confirmed if the third season will be the last, but many fans speculate that it will either conclude the story or split Naughty Dog’s dense Part II into a multi-season arc. The shift in focus to Abby’s viewpoint is expected to be emotionally intense but also divisive, as it was in the video game when players were similarly asked to empathize with a character initially presented as the antagonist.
With Dever promising a “much bigger role” for Abby and production beginning within weeks, HBO may be eyeing a late 2025 release for Season 3. Depending on post-production timelines and the size of Season 3’s episode count, a teaser or trailer could arrive later in 2024 to keep momentum strong.
Given the genre’s crossover appeal and existing fanbase, another successful season could further solidify “The Last of Us” as one of the most important television achievements in recent years—and Abby’s arc, portrayed by Dever, may end up being a cultural flashpoint just as it was in gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is The Last of Us trending?
A: Actor Kaitlyn Dever confirmed this week that production for Season 3 is about to begin, stirring renewed fan interest in the HBO series.
Q: What happens next?
A: Filming is set to begin in the coming weeks, with a likely release window in late 2025.
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