Neil Druckmann, co-creator of The Last of Us video games and co-showrunner of the HBO series, has announced his departure from the show to focus on his work at Naughty Dog and the development of a new game titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

In his statement, Druckmann expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Craig Mazin and praised the cast and crew for their dedication to the adaptation.

Druckmann's decision comes in the wake of mixed reception for season 2, which adapted events from 'The Last of Us Part II,' a sequel that was also controversial upon its release in 2020.

Season 2 premiered in April 2025 but had lower ratings and viewership compared to the first season, leading to some fan criticism over character developments and narrative choices.

The Last of Us season 3 is currently in the early stages of development, with little information available about its plot or release date; speculation about the show's future continues amidst mixed reactions to season 2.

Season 3 is expected to continue the story from 'The Last of Us Part II,' shifting its focus from Ellie to Abby, a pivotal character in the narrative.

Despite stepping back from creative involvement, Druckmann will remain an executive producer for the series, maintaining a co-creator credit.

Showrunner Craig Mazin will take over as the main writer for season three, raising concerns among fans about how beloved characters will be handled without Druckmann's guidance.

There is speculation that Druckmann's shift may allow him to work on The Last of Us Part 3, although Naughty Dog has stated they are not currently developing it.

HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us has been highly successful, with Season 2 bringing the total audience to over 90 million viewers, despite a dip in viewership for the Season 2 finale.

The series has received critical acclaim, including eight Emmy Awards and recognition from the American Film Institute as one of the Top 10 TV shows of 2023.

This marks a significant shift as Druckmann transitions away from the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us, where he has worked for nearly a decade.