‘The Last of Us’ Renewed for Season 3 Ahead of Season 2 Premiere

“The Last of Us” has been renewed by HBO for a third season, in advance of the premiere of Season 2 on April 13.

via: THR

HBO has renewed the Emmy-winning drama series for a third season ahead of its highly anticipated return this weekend. The news comes on the heels of the show’s new episodes receiving glowing reviews from critics, with season two currently sitting at a 92 percent positive average on Rotten Tomatoes, and The Hollywood Reporter calling it “thrilling” and “addictive.”

“We approached season two [trailer below] with the goal of creating something we could be proud of,” said co-creator and showrunner Craig Mazin. “The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew. We look forward to continuing the story of The Last of Us with season three.”

Added co-creator Neil Druckmann: “To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans’ enthusiastic and overwhelming support. Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions. On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast, and crew, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We’re thrilled to bring you more of The Last of Us.”

And Francesca Orsi, head of HBO Drama Series and Films, said: “It can’t be overemphasized how proud HBO is for the outstanding achievement we believe the second season of The Last of Us is. Craig, Neil, Carolyn and the entire executive producer team, cast and crew have delivered a masterful follow-up and we’re thrilled to carry the power of Craig and Neil’s storytelling into what we know will be an equally moving and extraordinary third season.”

Talking to THR about the new season, Mazin agreed the second season feels akin to Star Wars‘ famed second chapter, The Empire Strikes Back. “I think about that a lot — because I love The Empire Strikes Back, and I think everybody should,” Mazin says. “We love that one because the second act is the tough act. That’s when everything is challenged and characters go through these moments where they can’t be who they used to be, but they’re also not ready to be who they’re supposed to be. There’s a sense of feeling lost. And I love that.”

The official description of season two: “Five years after the events of the first season, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) are drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.”

The season two returning cast also includes Gabriel Luna as Tommy, and Rutina Wesley as Maria. Previously announced new cast includes Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac. Catherine O’Hara also guest stars.

The Last of Us season two consists of seven episodes, the first will air Sunday, April 13, on HBO and Max.

For more on The Last of Us season 2, including the future of the series, see our Everything We Know rundown.