The highly anticipated second season of HBO’s The Last of Us has finally given fans their first look, and it promises to be even more tense and emotional than the first. The initial season, which concluded in March 2023, received immediate approval for a follow-up, and the newly released footage suggests that Season 2 will delve deeper into the dark and emotional corners of the post-apocalyptic world.
A Tease of What’s to Come
Part of Max’s latest “coming soon” promo, the preview features Pedro Pascal’s Joel, reflecting on the harrowing decisions he made in the first season, particularly his choice to save Ellie from the Fireflies. The teaser also showcases intense scenes, including a raid on the settlement in Jackson, Wyoming, with characters fending off threats from both humans and the infected.
Fans get a first look at new characters Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, and Dana, played by Isabela Merced. Notably, Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Wright are also seen in the teaser, hinting at their significant roles in the upcoming season.
Production and Delays
The journey to Season 2 has not been without its challenges. Filming is currently wrapping up in Vancouver, Canada, after facing delays due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Despite these setbacks, the production has steadily progressed, with the show’s creator, Neil Druckmann, completing his work in Vancouver earlier this month. Back in May, HBO teased fans with images of Joel and Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, and local fans spotted game-inspired locations during the shoot.
What to Expect in Season 2
The Last of Us Season 2 will draw heavily from the game’s sequel, The Last of Us: Part 2, released in 2020 on PlayStation. This season will explore significant changes in Joel and Ellie’s relationship while introducing a new character driven by revenge. Reports from Gizmodo revealed that during the Writers’ strikes, HBO considered having potential cast members use game scripts for auditions due to the unavailability of finalized scripts, though this plan was eventually abandoned.
Returning and New Faces
Season 2 will see the return of Pascal and Ramsey as Joel and Ellie, respectively. Gabriel Luna will reprise his role as Tommy, and Rutina Wesley returns as Maria. Joining the cast are Isabela Merced as Dina, Ellie’s romantic interest, and Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, a vengeful soldier. Spencer Lord, Tati Gabrielle, and Danny Ramirez will portray Abby’s crew members, Owen, Nora, and Manny, respectively.
While an exact release date for The Last of Us Season 2 has not been announced, fans can expect its arrival sometime in 2025. In the meantime, viewers can catch up on Season 1, available on Max.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the next chapter of Joel and Ellie’s story, promising to deliver deeper emotional stakes and heightened tension in a world where survival is never guaranteed.
