The Last of Us Creator Neil Druckmann Steps Away From HBO Series Ahead of Season 3

Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the video game and HBO series The Last of Us, has stepped down as showrunner and creative lead after completing work on Season 2, which adapted The Last of Us Part II. Druckmann will remain credited as co-creator and executive producer but is shifting his focus fully to Naughty Dog's upcoming game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, where he serves as studio head and creative director. His departure leaves Craig Mazin, co-creator and co-showrunner, as the sole showrunner for the third season, which is planned but without a release date. Halley Gross, co-writer on The Last of Us Part II and Season 2 of the show, is also stepping back from her role. Despite a 30% drop in viewership during Season 2, the series remains a critical success and will continue to adapt the story of Ellie and Abby. Druckmann expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Mazin, the cast, and crew, calling co-creating the show a career highlight and looks forward to the continuation of the story under HBO and PlayStation Productions.