Naughty Dog President: No The Last of Us 3

According to recent statements from Naughty Dog, the developers may be concluding The Last of Us franchise. Read on to explore the series' uncertain future and the studio's current creative direction.

Naughty Dog Suggests No More The Last of Us Sequels

Studio Leadership Signals A Potential End

The Last of Us series may not continue, potentially leaving The Last of Us Part II as the final chapter in this acclaimed post-apocalyptic saga. In a March 5, 2025 interview with Variety, Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann addressed speculation about The Last of Us Part III.

Druckmann responded, "I'd just say not to expect more from 'The Last of Us.' This might be the end." His comments cast doubt on the franchise's gaming future as Naughty Dog shifts focus toward expanding its television adaptation.

The creative director previously shared his philosophy on game sequels during the DICE Summit 2025. Speaking with IGN, Druckmann explained he avoids planning multiple game narratives in advance. "You're tempting fate if you're already thinking about sequels while developing the first game," he noted. "While working on The Last of Us Part II, occasional ideas emerged about where the story might go next. But I always approach each project as if it might be my last chance—I don't hold back ideas for future installments. If something compelling emerges, I incorporate it into the current project."

This development suggests The Last of Us may not receive further video game installments, particularly given The Last of Us Part II's relatively conclusive narrative resolution. However, fans can still engage with the universe through the upcoming second season of The Last of Us television series, premiering April 13, 2025.

Studio Developing New Intellectual Property

While The Last of Us gaming series appears paused, Naughty Dog is channeling its creative energy into an original franchise. During The Game Awards 2024, the studio announced Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a new PlayStation 5 exclusive currently in development.

The reveal featured a brief teaser trailer highlighting the game's science-fiction atmosphere. According to official sources, development began in 2020, with the project evolving into what the studio describes as its most ambitious and imaginative narrative to date. Since the initial announcement, Naughty Dog has maintained secrecy regarding further details.

Intergalactic Development Prompted The Last of Us Online Cancellation

Previous reports indicated The Last of Us Online was canceled as Naughty Dog prioritized single-player experiences, while hinting at unannounced projects. With Intergalactic's unveiling, it's clear this was the intellectual property the studio referenced.

During a February 19, 2025 Sacred Symbols+ podcast appearance, former Sony Interactive Entertainment President Shuhei Yoshida confirmed The Last of Us Online was discontinued to allocate resources toward Intergalactic. Yoshida explained that Destiny developer Bungie counseled Sony executives about live-service game commitments, emphasizing these projects require not just launch execution but sustained long-term maintenance.

"The Last of Us Online originated from Naughty Dog's passionate desire to create it," Yoshida recalled. "But Bungie outlined the extensive demands of live-service development, leading Naughty Dog to recognize, 'We can't manage this while also creating Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.' This represented a strategic miscalculation."

Combined with Druckmann's recent statements and the live-service project's cancellation, these developments indicate Naughty Dog is stepping away from the franchise—at least temporarily. Fans can anticipate The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3, 2025. For ongoing coverage of The Last of Us Part II Remastered, explore our related content below!