The ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has caused disruptions in the entertainment industry, affecting various productions. HBO’s acclaimed adaptation of The Last of Us is one of the shows impacted by these current events.

Season 3 Plans And Release Window

While Season 1 of The Last of Us has recently concluded, there are already discussions about Season 3. Craig Mazin, the co-creator, writer, and executive producer of the show, expressed optimism about its future, stating that they plan to be around for a while.

Bella Ramsey, one of the stars of The Last of Us, hinted at a potential release window for the second season during a British talk show. She mentioned that the series is likely to return at the “end of 2024, early 2025,” with filming expected to commence by the end of 2023.

Impact Of The WGA Strike On Season 2 Release

Francesca Orsi, HBO’s head of drama, revealed that the release of The Last of Us Season 2 might be delayed due to the ongoing WGA strike. Orsi stated in an interview with Deadline that HBO will have to reassess its schedule for 2025 if a resolution to the strike isn’t reached soon.

If the strike continues for “six to nine months,” numerous shows, including The Last of Us Season 2, could be delayed until 2025 or even later. Orsi emphasized the need for a prompt resolution to avoid disrupting HBO’s plans:

“While everything at this moment is pencils down, I’m hopeful that we can come to terms sooner than later. Otherwise we will have to assess what is the end of the 24 schedule, what are the shows that are going to be delivered for 2025.”

Initially, HBO had intended to release The Last of Us Season 2 in 2025, while aiming for a 2024 release of The White Lotus. However, the timing of the strike has raised questions about these plans, and it remains uncertain how the labor dispute will impact scheduling.

“At this point, those shows that I’m looking to air wouldn’t necessarily be ready if this strike lasts six to nine months. So yes, that’s a big question for us, but I think we’ll cross that road once we come to it.”

The Delay And Potential Resumption Of Pre-Production

The ongoing WGA strike has halted production on several projects, including The Last of Us. However, both industry insiders and stakeholders are eager to reach a fair agreement and resume their work.

Speculation suggests that the strike could potentially end around Labor Day, which falls in early September. If the strike continues until then, it will likely cause significant disruptions to film and television series, further delaying the start of Season 2’s production.

Moreover, in addition to these delays, The Last of Us Season 2 is expected to introduce significant changes, similar to its predecessor. One notable change will be an increase in the number of infected creatures roaming the post-apocalyptic world. Showrunner Neil Druckmann has acknowledged fans’ feedback and promised to deliver more of these gruesome, fungus-infected zombies.