The Last of Us Season 3 Will Shift Focus to Abby — What That Means for Ellie & Dina

Season 3 of The Last of Us is gearing up to shake the fandom once again, this time by placing Abby — the polarizing character portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever — at the center of its narrative. After Season 2’s heart-wrenching focus on Ellie’s search for justice following Joel’s brutal death, HBO has confirmed that the upcoming season will offer a full perspective shift, diving into Abby’s version of events during the same Seattle timeline.

While this creative decision is true to the structure of The Last of Us Part II video game, it remains a bold and divisive move. Abby, infamous for her role in Joel’s death, is not a fan favorite among viewers who haven’t played the game — and even among some who have. The season will start with "Day One" from Abby’s eyes, running parallel to what fans saw through Ellie in Season 2.

According to the show's co-creators, Season 3 will expand the world even further. Audiences will learn more about Abby’s allies, her internal struggles, and the complicated WLF vs. Seraphite war, which was only briefly touched on in previous episodes. Characters like Owen, Mel, Nora, Manny, and WLF leader Isaac will finally get deeper backstories, giving emotional context to their fates and reframing past events.

But what about Ellie and Dina?

Fans can breathe a sigh of relief: Bella Ramsey (Ellie) and Isabela Merced (Dina) are both confirmed to return. However, their roles will be reduced this season as the story pivots away from them — for now. Their appearances will be strategic and likely tied to the inevitable intersection of Ellie and Abby’s paths, setting the stage for Season 4, which is expected to explore the final chapters of the game’s narrative arc, including "The Farm" and "Santa Barbara."

While the shift in focus may ruffle some feathers, it offers a rare opportunity for layered storytelling — forcing viewers to reckon with both sides of a brutal cycle of vengeance. Whether audiences warm up to Abby or not, Season 3 is primed to challenge loyalties, test empathy, and deepen the emotional core of HBO’s hit series.

The Last of Us Season 3 is currently in production and will stream on Max in 2026.