Naughty Dog has confirmed two new The Last of Us projects, both of which will expand the series’ canon beyond Part I and Part II. Neil Druckmann described them as being in “very early stages” in a post closing The Last of Us Day on September 28. The inline screenshot is from Part II and does not depict either new project.
The Last of Us projects have no format or date yet
Druckmann did not say whether the projects are games, television productions or another format. He named no characters, titles, platforms or release window. The announcement confirms that they will expand the canon; it does not confirm a direct sequel or The Last of Us Part III.
“We have a couple of very exciting new projects in very early stages – so we can’t say much about them at this point. I will tell you that both projects will expand the canon of The Last of Us beyond Part I and Part II.”
Neil Druckmann, Naughty Dog
Naughty Dog says it would not return to the series without something meaningful to say, adding: “We believe these stories are worth telling.” That is the studio’s stated reason for developing them, not a description of what either project contains.
The new projects add detail to an earlier update
Earlier in September, Druckmann told The Washington Post that Naughty Dog was not finished with The Last of Us and mentioned a couple of projects in the works. GamesRadar reported those comments before the studio described their connection to the games’ canon. Tbreak covered Druckmann’s earlier comments on the franchise and HBO’s third season.
The new post is the first concrete description of the projects: both will extend the canon beyond the two released mainline games, while remaining at a very early stage. VGC’s same-day report also reports Naughty Dog’s confirmation of new The Last of Us projects in early development. The studio has not said when it will share more.
What does ‘expand the canon’ confirm?
Only that Naughty Dog intends both stories to sit within The Last of Us continuity beyond Parts I and II. The post does not place them before, between or after either game.
What should fans look for in a follow-up?
A named format, title, platform, characters or timing would establish what is being made. Until Naughty Dog supplies those details, tying either project to a specific sequel or adaptation would be speculation.
