For years, speculation has swirled around whether The Last of Us Part 3 would ever become a reality. Fans hoping for an official confirmation have been met with silence from Naughty Dog—until now.

In a recent interview with Variety, Neil Druckmann, the creative director behind the franchise, made a statement that all but confirms there are no current plans for a third installment. While this doesn’t necessarily mean The Last of Us is done for good, it raises serious questions about the series’ long-term viability.

Neil Druckmann speaking at the 2014 San Diego Comic Con International, for “The Last of Us”, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Druckmann’s words were simple but telling: “Don’t bet on there being more of Last of Us.”

This vague yet firm response suggests that not only is Part 3 not in development, but it may never happen at all. That’s an odd reality for a franchise that Sony and Naughty Dog have long positioned as a flagship property. If The Last of Us were the industry juggernaut it’s claimed to be, there would be no hesitation about continuing the series. Instead, we have ambiguity, silence, and now, what seems like an outright dismissal of the idea.

A Franchise Mired in Controversy

While The Last of Us was once widely celebrated, its legacy has grown more divisive in recent years.

The Last of Us Part 2 alienated a significant portion of its audience due to creative decisions that left many feeling betrayed. The removal of a beloved character early in the game sparked outrage, while the forced shift in perspective to a new hated protagonist was seen as an attempt to strong-arm players into sympathizing with an unlikable character. The game also received criticism for prioritizing thematic messaging over organic storytelling, leading to accusations that its narrative was more concerned with making a statement than crafting a compelling experience.

The Last of Us Part I (2022), Naughty Dog

The HBO adaptation, despite a few strong performances, has not been free of criticism either. While some praised its fidelity to the original game, others took issue with the changes made to certain story elements. With the second season of the show set to premiere soon, anticipation is high, but so is skepticism.

If the upcoming season follows the controversial plot of Part 2 (and Druckmann has said that it is…), it could further cement the series as a divisive property rather than a universally celebrated one.

The Intergalactic Distraction

Druckmann’s dismissal of The Last of Us Part 3 coincides with Naughty Dog’s focus on its new project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

Announced at the 2024 Game Awards, this title has reportedly been in development since 2020. It seems to be taking center stage at the studio, potentially explaining why The Last of Us is being left behind.

The main character for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet – YouTube, Naughty Dog

However, there is already skepticism surrounding Intergalactic.

Given Druckmann’s creative direction in recent years, many suspect it will follow the same narrative approach that made The Last of Us Part 2 so divisive. If Intergalactic doubles down on the same storytelling style that alienated fans, it could struggle to find an audience.

Additionally, Naughty Dog has traditionally been known for its mastery of gameplay, yet its recent output has placed increasing emphasis on cinematic storytelling at the expense of player agency. If Intergalactic continues down this path, it may mark another step away from what once made Naughty Dog a beloved developer.

The Real Question: Why Is There No The Last of Us Part 3?

At the heart of this discussion is the undeniable truth—if The Last of Us were the powerhouse franchise that Sony and Naughty Dog claim it to be, there would be no ambiguity about its future. Compare it to “God of War“, Spider-Man, or Horizon—Sony’s other major properties that have received sequels without hesitation. Yet here we are, with Druckmann all but dismissing the possibility of another Last of Us entry.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered (2024), Naughty Dog

If the series were still the moneymaking juggernaut it once was, Part 3 would be a certainty. Instead, it appears that The Last of Us has become more of a risky investment than a guaranteed success. Whether that’s due to the backlash from Part 2, shifting priorities at Naughty Dog, or simply a lack of viable story ideas, the outcome is the same—the franchise’s future is anything but assured.

As Naughty Dog moves forward with Intergalactic, the fate of The Last of Us remains in limbo. Whether it returns down the road or quietly fades away, Druckmann’s recent comments indicate that, for now, the studio is content to leave it behind. Time will tell if that decision proves to be a wise one—or another misstep in a once-great gaming legacy.