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Speculation is swirling around the gaming world once again, and this time it’s all about the potential return to the post-apocalyptic universe of The Last of Us.
Daniel Richtman (@DanielRPK) posted a paywalled article on his Patreon claiming that Naughty Dog has already cast actors and even captured some scenes for The Last of Us Part III, fueling rumors that the acclaimed studio behind the franchise has secretly started work on the game. While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, recent leaks and discussions online suggest that development might be further along than many expected.
The Buzz Around The Last of Us Part III
Word on the digital streets suggests Naughty Dog, the powerhouse behind some of gaming’s biggest hits, including the Uncharted series, is already deep into production of The Last of Us Part III. Although Neil Druckmann, Naughty Dog’s co-president and key creative voice behind the franchise, recently implied in an interview with Variety that a new installment might not be coming soon, fans remember similar vague statements were made before the official announcement of The Last of Us Part II. It’s a classic Druckmann move—maintaining an air of secrecy to amplify the eventual surprise.
But here’s the thing: Naughty Dog recently shelved a highly anticipated online multiplayer spin-off from The Last of Us universe, which left a substantial part of their team available. Given their history of dual-project management—often juggling more than one major game at a time—it wouldn’t be shocking to learn they’ve shifted resources towards The Last of Us Part III.
Rumored Castings and Early Filming
Adding fuel to the speculative fire, there are Richtman’s claims that Naughty Dog has already cast key roles and even filmed preliminary scenes for the new game. If true, this suggests they might have a clearer direction than they’ve publicly acknowledged. Early casting and scene filming hint at a project that’s beyond mere conceptual development, suggesting something significant is underway. Still, we should all tread lightly here—such early-stage information often turns out to be exaggerated or misunderstood.
Where Might the Story Go?
Fan theories about The Last of Us Part III‘s potential plotlines are already cropping up. After the divisive but emotionally charged ending of The Last of Us Part II, the narrative possibilities are wide open. Some gamers are theorizing that Ellie’s journey might parallel Joel’s, completing a trilogy that mirrors the series’ core themes of loss, redemption, and cycles of violence. Others imagine an entirely fresh cast of characters taking the stage to expand the post-apocalyptic universe in new, unexpected ways.
A popular theory envisions Ellie in a more mature, Joel-like role, perhaps mentoring a younger companion—mirroring the dynamic fans fell in love with in the original game. But there’s also resistance to repeating patterns we’ve seen before, especially since the theme of vengeance was exhaustively explored in Part 2.
Interestingly, some gamers express a desire to pivot away from personal vengeance altogether, favoring a deeper exploration of the world and the cordyceps infection itself—something that’s always lingered in the backdrop but rarely taken center stage. Could The Last of Us Part III finally delve deeper into the lore of the outbreak itself?
Neil Druckmann’s Mixed Signals
Neil Druckmann, co-president of Naughty Dog and mastermind behind the series, has historically been cagey when discussing sequels before official announcements. Fans recall he similarly downplayed the existence of Part 2, only to reveal it dramatically later. Druckmann has mentioned previously having ideas for a third installment, and even teased it at the conclusion of Part 2’s behind-the-scenes documentary. On the other hand, he’s recently been evasive about the possibility, leaving room for speculation. Is this deliberate misdirection or genuine uncertainty?
Druckmann’s careful wording—neither confirming nor outright denying the development—could easily be a strategic decision to keep attention focused on Naughty Dog’s upcoming space-themed title, Intergalactic, and the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us. Considering the immense popularity and pressure brought on by the successful HBO adaptation, it’s reasonable to assume that there’s some corporate incentive to align future game releases with subsequent TV seasons.
A Potential Timeline
Realistically, if Naughty Dog is actively working on The Last of Us Part III, we likely won’t see it anytime soon. AAA titles, especially ones from Naughty Dog, typically have lengthy development cycles lasting several years. Even with the rumored advanced state, the earliest we might expect this game could still be several years down the line, possibly even aligning with the launch of Sony’s next console generation.
Still, given the intricate narratives and technical sophistication Naughty Dog is known for, rushing out a sequel doesn’t fit their style. Their commitment to storytelling depth and gameplay polish means a project like this, if real, would be carefully guarded until they’re absolutely ready to unveil it officially.
The TV Factor
Another compelling factor fueling these rumors is the immense success of HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us. The show has significantly broadened the franchise’s audience, creating pressure—and perhaps a financial incentive—to expand the universe with another game. Could Part III align strategically with future seasons of the TV series, providing fresh content to keep the momentum alive across both mediums?
Cautiously Optimistic
As tempting as it is to get excited about another installment, gamers should approach this rumor cautiously. While it seems plausible Naughty Dog is quietly crafting The Last of Us Part III behind closed doors, without official confirmation, it’s all guesswork. The Last of Us franchise thrives on narrative depth, emotional resonance, and careful storytelling—qualities that take time to perfect.
For now, fans will have to sit tight, speculate, and enjoy replaying the first two installments. After all, whether or not Part III is around the corner, the world of The Last of Us remains rich enough to keep the community eagerly guessing.
FAQ: The Last of Us Part III and What It Means for Players
Is The Last of Us Part III officially confirmed?
No, The Last of Us Part III has not been officially announced by Naughty Dog. However, rumors suggest it is in development, with reports of casting and early filming.
When could The Last of Us Part III be released?
There is no official release date. If the game is in early or mid-development, it could be several years away, likely aligning with the later years of the PlayStation 5 or even the PlayStation 6.
Do I need to play The Last of Us Part II before The Last of Us Part III?
If The Last of Us Part III continues Ellie’s story, playing The Last of Us Part II would provide essential context. However, if the game introduces new characters, it may be possible to jump in fresh.
What other games can I play while waiting for The Last of Us Part III?
Fans of Naughty Dog’s narrative-driven style can revisit The Last of Us, The Last of Us Part II, or the Uncharted series. Naughty Dog is also working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a sci-fi game that may appeal to those who enjoy deep storytelling.
Will The Last of Us Part III release on PS4?
It is unlikely, as PlayStation 4 hardware is aging. Given Naughty Dog’s development timelines, The Last of Us Part III will likely target PlayStation 5 and possibly the PlayStation 6.
Will The Last of Us Part III have multiplayer?
There is no official word on multiplayer. Naughty Dog previously canceled a standalone The Last of Us multiplayer project, so any future online component remains uncertain.
