HBO has confirmed the renewal of The Last of Us for a third season.

      With the second season set to debut this weekend, HBO has officially announced that its praised adaptation of the video game The Last of Us will be returning for a third season.

      “We approached Season 2 with the aim of creating something we could take pride in,” said co-showrunner Craig Mazin. “The final results have surpassed even our most ambitious dreams, owing to our ongoing collaboration with HBO and the exceptional efforts of our remarkable cast and crew.”

      “To witness The Last of Us being brought to life with such beauty and fidelity has been a career highlight for me, and I am thankful for the fans’ enthusiastic and overwhelming support,” remarked Neil Druckmann, co-showrunner, writer, and creative director of the original games. “A significant part of that success is attributable to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our collaboration with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions.”

      The renewal comes as no surprise; while the critically lauded first season adapted the original 2013 video game, the showrunners had earlier indicated their plans to divide the 2020 sequel, The Last of Us Part II, over several seasons. This will commence this Sunday with the season two premiere on Max.

      After five years of tranquility following the first season's events, Joel and Ellie’s shared history resurfaces, leading them into conflict with one another and a world that is even more perilous and unpredictable than the one they previously left behind.

      Season 2 of The Last of Us features the return of Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, and Rutina Wesley as Maria, along with new cast members Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Young Mazino as Jesse, Isabela Merced as Dina, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Catherine O’Hara in an undisclosed role.

      The second season of The Last of Us premieres on Max on April 13th.