The Last of Us Season 3: Kaitlyn Dever Takes the Lead as HBO Confirms Bold New Direction

The Last of Us is evolving — and Season 3 promises a stunning narrative shift that has fans both excited and anxious. As of July 2, 2025, HBO has confirmed that the next installment of its hit post-apocalyptic series will spotlight Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, as the central character — marking a pivotal turn in the show’s trajectory.

Season 3 Confirmed — But Don’t Expect It Anytime Soon

HBO officially renewed The Last of Us for a third season earlier this year, even before Season 2 concluded. However, co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann revealed that scriptwriting hasn’t yet begun, and filming likely won’t start until mid-to-late 2026. That puts the Season 3 release window around late 2026 or even early 2027, giving fans a long runway to prepare for what’s ahead.

Abby Replaces Ellie as the Central Character

Perhaps the most talked-about change is the narrative pivot from Ellie to Abby. Kaitlyn Dever, who was cast as Abby after an extensive and competitive search, will now anchor the story. The decision mirrors the plot of the The Last of Us Part II video game, where Ellie steps back and Abby’s arc takes center stage.

Bella Ramsey, who portrayed Ellie across Seasons 1 and 2, has confirmed she will return in Season 3, but in a much smaller role. “I think I’m going to be there, but not a whole bunch,” Ramsey recently told Variety. Co-creator Craig Mazin doubled down, saying, “We haven’t seen the last of Bella Ramsey,” but clarified that Abby will now carry the emotional weight of the story.

Ratings, Awards, and Momentum

Despite some polarizing audience reactions, The Last of Us continues to perform phenomenally in viewership and acclaim:

• Season 2 averaged nearly 37 million global viewers per episode.

• The series has earned 85 wins and 216 award nominations, including Emmys, Critics’ Choice, and a prestigious Peabody Award.

• Rotten Tomatoes scores for Season 2 remain strong among critics, even as fan ratings dipped following controversial plot decisions in early episodes.

   

Kaitlyn Dever: The New Heart of the Series

Dever’s portrayal of Abby has already drawn early praise from critics, who lauded her intensity and depth in Season 2’s later episodes. In a heartfelt interview with GQ, she revealed how she’s channeled personal grief into Abby’s emotionally and physically grueling arc — a performance that promises to redefine the character for TV audiences.

Fans will follow Abby through the harrowing “Seattle Days” storyline from The Last of Us Part II, as well as potentially new material crafted by Druckmann and Mazin.

What Comes Next

Here’s what we know as of July 2, 2025:

• Season 3 will focus on Abby, diving into her origins, trauma, and path to redemption.

• Ellie’s journey is not over, but it will take a backseat for now.

• Expect intense moral dilemmas, character-driven storytelling, and the return of a few familiar faces.

• Filming will begin in 2026, so fans should anticipate a late 2026 or early 2027 release.

Final Thoughts

From its brutal opening in Season 1 to the seismic narrative shift ahead, The Last of Us continues to break the rules of prestige TV. Season 3’s focus on Abby is a bold gamble, but one that honors the source material — and challenges its viewers to once again confront the humanity behind the horror.

As the series prepares for its next chapter, one thing is clear: The Last of Us isn’t just about survival. It’s about the cost of vengeance, the power of empathy, and the uncomfortable choices we make when the world ends.

Stay tuned — the next evolution of this iconic story is just beginning.