(Image credit: HBO)
The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin recently shared a positive message after Neil Druckmann decided to step away from the series. Mazin expressed, “It’s been a creative dream to work with Neil and bring an adaptation of his brilliant work to life on HBO. I couldn’t have asked for a more generous creative partner.” As a devoted fan of Naughty Dog and Neil’s contributions to video games, Mazin eagerly anticipates Neil’s next project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
Mazin further stated, “While Neil focuses on his game, I’ll continue with our brilliant cast and crew to deliver the show our audience has come to expect. We are profoundly thankful to Neil and Halley Gross for trusting us with the incredible story of The Last of Us Part II, and equally grateful to the millions who tune in across the globe.”
It was recently disclosed that Druckmann, the mastermind behind The Last of Us video games and co-showrunner of the television series, is stepping back to concentrate on his new game. Although he contributed as a writer and director for various episodes, Druckmann will not be actively involved with the third or rumored fourth seasons.
The celebrated TV series, featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, has enjoyed significant acclaim since its debut, even earning numerous Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominations. The second season delves into a portion of The Last of Us Part 2, with the remaining story to unfold in an upcoming third season, and possibly a fourth.
Halley Gross, who co-authored the game with Druckmann and served as an executive producer on the show, has also announced her departure to pursue new endeavors. On Instagram, she shared, “I’ve decided to take a step back from my daily duties to focus on what lies ahead. Collaborating with Neil, Craig, HBO, and this extraordinary cast and crew has altered my life profoundly. The narratives we crafted—about love, loss, and humanity in a terrifying world—embody why I cherish this franchise.”
The Last of Us is currently available for streaming on HBO Max. For those eager for more, explore our list of the best new TV shows coming your way in 2025 and beyond, or read our The Last of Us season 2 review.