HBO confirms The Last of Us Season 3 exploring Abby’s story after that shocking finale cliffhanger.

The Shocking Finale That Left Us Hanging

HBO’s post-apocalyptic hit ended season 2 with a bang—literally. That heart-stopping moment between Ellie and Abby left viewers clutching their pearls.

The screen went black, a gunshot rang out, and fans everywhere screamed at their TVs.

Talk about a perfect cliffhanger that’ll keep us theorizing until the next season drops!

Joel’s Death Changed Everything

Season 2 gut-punched us with Joel’s brutal murder, but Pedro Pascal still graced our screens in that emotional flashback episode.

His presence loomed large throughout the season as Ellie’s vengeful quest took center stage.

The father-daughter bond that captured our hearts continues to drive the story, even after Joel’s death.

Revenge Comes at a Cost

Ellie’s Seattle rampage turned seriously dark as she hunted Abby with fierce determination.

Poor Jesse caught a bullet to the head, while Tommy suffered injuries in that theater confrontation.

Watching Ellie transform from the snarky teen we loved into someone consumed by revenge broke our hearts. Her journey has taken such a painful turn.

Abby’s Story Takes Center Stage

Season 3 will flip the script and dive into Abby’s perspective, according to Catherine O’Hara (who plays therapist Gail).

That final flashback of Abby waking up was no accident!

Mazin himself confirmed she’s “the hero of her story.”

This shift promises fresh insights into the world of the W.L.F. and those creepy Seraphites.

Relationship Drama Ahead

Dina and Ellie’s romance will hit major turbulence after Jesse’s death.

Isabela Merced hinted it’ll be “weird acting like I don’t like Bella” in upcoming scenes.

Their love story, which Mazin called “the central relationship” of season 2, faces serious complications.

Will they find their way back to each other amid all the trauma?

Will Pedro Pascal Return?

Never say never to more Joel flashbacks! While his character met a grisly end, Mazin teased potential “side trips” featuring Joel and Tommy’s earlier adventures.

Pascal hasn’t confirmed his involvement yet, but those flashback sequences have become a series trademark. Fingers crossed for more Joel wisdom in season 3!

When Can We Watch It?

Don’t hold your breath—production likely won’t start until 2026, according to Merced.

The wait feels brutal, but it gives us plenty of time to rewatch seasons 1 and 2 on Max.

Mazin also hinted season 3 might be longer than season 2’s seven episodes, which is something to look forward to!

The Story Continues Beyond Season 3

Here’s the kicker—Mazin revealed they can’t wrap everything up in just one more season.

“There’s no way to complete this narrative in a third season,” he admitted, suggesting a fourth season will likely be needed.

The fungal apocalypse saga has plenty more emotional gut-punches in store for us!