Craig Mazin speaks out after The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann’s exit from Season 3

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In an exciting turn of events, The Last of Us Series will proceed with Season 3, as Neil Druckmann, its initial creator, steps back from the project. Here’s what series co-creator, Craig Mazin, had to share on this development.

Neil Druckmann explained that leaving was a challenging choice, yet it seemed appropriate since there is significant work ahead on Season 3, which will primarily revolve around Abby following the surprising and contentious cliffhanger in the second season.

As a die-hard fan, I’m thrilled to share that the mastermind behind our favorite video games has decided to pour all his energies into Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and upcoming Naughty Dog ventures. This could potentially include the long-awaited The Last of Us Part 3, which has been a subject of speculation for quite some time now. I can hardly wait!

It appears that the specific reasons behind Mazin’s leaving are still uncertain, yet his statement seems to back up Druckmann’s choice.

Craig Mazin “grateful” for Neil Druckmann after shock The Last of Us exit

According to Mazin’s remarks to The Ankler, it has been a creative ambition for him to collaborate with Neil and transform his exceptional work into a live-action adaptation for HBO.

As a passionate gaming enthusiast, especially one who adores the masterpieces crafted by Naughty Dog and Neil, I can’t help but feel ecstatic about the upcoming release of his next game. Truly, I couldn’t ask for a more generous collaborator in this field of dreams.

Craig Mazin will carry on collaborating with our talented cast and team, ensuring the series maintains its established quality. We’re thankful to Neil and Halley Gross for handing over the remarkable tale of… (for Season 3)

— The Last of Us News (@TheLastofUsNews) July 3, 2025

As he immerses himself in that task, I’ll carry on collaborating with our talented cast and team to ensure the show maintains its expected quality. We are deeply appreciative of Neil and Halley Gross for giving us the amazing tale of The Last of Us Part II, and we’re equally thankful to the global audience who join us each time.

Druckmann has played a significant role in the creation of the HBO series from its initial stages, often hinting at Season 3 in various interviews following the end of the second season.

As a gamer, I’ve seen some chatter online about potential factors leading to his departure. Some folks speculate he might have advocated for a bigger writing team to extend the third season, which Mazin apparently wasn’t on board with. There are also theories circulating about creative disagreements between them, especially as our series prepares for its most divisive narrative arc that mirrors the game’s contentious stretch.

Halley Gross, a key producer and scriptwriter for the show, has also departed from the series. On social media, she conveyed her appreciation for the unique journey she’s been on… She also wanted to express her heartfelt thanks to everyone who meticulously crafted Ellie and Joel’s world with so much dedication.

During this interim period, let’s delve into the reasons behind The Last of Us’ viewership, which highlights potential flaws in television, preview upcoming developments for Season 3, and explore the fate of Abby as portrayed in the video games.

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2025-07-03 14:19