The Last Of Us Game Co-Creator Neil Druckmann Steps Down From The Hit HBO Series

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Since its debut in 2023, The Last of Us has been a massive success for HBO, captivating audiences worldwide. However, as we gear up for Season 3, there’s a significant shift happening backstage creatively. Neil Druckmann, who co-created the beloved video game series and served as a co-showrunner, has decided to part ways with the show. As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness at this news, but I’m excited to see where the story goes next under new creative leadership.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve learned Neal Druckmann, the mastermind behind The Last of Us series, is stepping away from it temporarily to fully immerse himself in his new role and project at Naughty Dog – Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This news has me eagerly anticipating what fresh, out-of-this-world gaming experience awaits us!

— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) July 2, 2025

Druckmann expressed that collaborating on the show has been a significant career milestone for him. He felt privileged to work in tandem with Craig Mazin, co-executive producing, directing, and writing during the last two seasons. He is profoundly grateful for the careful approach and commitment demonstrated by the gifted cast and crew as they transformed The Last of Us Part I and are still adapting The Last of Us Part II.

I’ve longed to collaborate with Neil and bring his remarkable work to the HBO screen. As a devoted admirer of Naughty Dog and Neil’s gaming creations, I can hardly contain my enthusiasm for his upcoming game,” said Mazin, speaking on his own behalf through Variety. “Neil has been an incredibly supportive creative collaborator. I feel incredibly lucky to be working with our talented cast and crew to deliver a show that meets our audience’s high expectations. We are deeply appreciative of Neil and Halley Gross for entrusting us with the incredible tale of The Last of Us Part II, and we’re equally grateful to the global fanbase who follow the series.

Previously, it was verified by Mazin and Druckmann that Season 3 of the series will change the viewpoint from Bella Ramsey’s character, Ellie, to Kaitlyn Dever’s character, Abby.

Despite HBO not officially commissioning any more seasons beyond Season 3, speculation points towards a fourth season concluding the screen adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 and possibly wrapping up the entire series. Prior to departing from the show, Druckmann didn’t dismiss the possibility of The Last of Us Part 3, but that game remains unconfirmed at this time.

It’s long been a personal ambition for me to collaborate with Neil on transforming his exceptional work into a series for HBO,” Mazin expressed in a statement. “Neil has been an incredibly supportive creative partner. As a dedicated fan of Naughty Dog and Neil’s video game creations, I can hardly wait for his next release. While he concentrates on that, I will keep working with our talented team to deliver the quality show our viewers have come to anticipate. We are deeply appreciative to both Neil and Halley Gross for entrusting us with the remarkable tale of The Last of Us Part II, and we’re equally thankful to the global audience who tune in. We feel incredibly fortunate.

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2025-07-02 22:09