Neil Druckmann Leaves The Last of Us: What His Exit Could Mean For HBO Series Ahead of Season 3

Pink Villa

03-07-2025

Neil Druckmann, the co-creator of The Last of Us video game series and a key creative force behind the hit HBO adaptation, has announced he is stepping away from the show before Season 3 begins production. This unexpected move has surprised fans and sparked questions about what comes next for the HBO series.
Druckmann says it's the right time
Druckmann confirmed his decision in a statement shared on Naughty Dog's official Instagram account. 'I've made the difficult decision to step away from my creative involvement in The Last of Us on HBO,' he said.
'With work completed on Season 2 and before any meaningful work starts on Season 3, now is the right time for me to transition my complete focus to Naughty Dog and its future projects, including writing and directing our exciting next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, along with my responsibilities as Studio Head and Head of Creative.'
He added that co-creating the show had been a career highlight and said it was an honor to work alongside Craig Mazin to executive produce, direct, and write the last two seasons. He shared that he was deeply thankful for the thoughtful approach and dedication the talented cast and crew brought to adapting The Last of Us Part I and continuing the adaptation of The Last of Us Part II.
Halley Gross also steps back
Halley Gross, who co-wrote The Last of Us Part II with Druckmann and served as an executive producer and writer on the HBO series, also announced her departure. 'With great care and consideration, I've decided to take a step back from my day-to-day work on HBO's The Last of Us to make space for what comes next,' Gross shared on Instagram. 'Working alongside Neil, Craig, HBO, and this remarkable cast and crew has been life changing.'
Here's what this means for Season 3
Season 1 of The Last of Us became one of HBO's biggest shows ever when it premiered in 2023. Season 2, which dropped earlier this year, continued the story with high praise. HBO renewed the series for Season 3 in April.
Craig Mazin, who co-created the series with Druckmann, said it had been a creative dream to work with Neil and adapt his brilliant work for HBO. He added that while Druckmann focuses on his next game, he would continue working with the cast and crew to deliver the show audiences have come to expect.