Earthquake at HBO’s The Last of Us: Halley Gross Exits Before Season 3

It appears the creative team for HBO’s The Last of Us is undergoing a shakeup for its third season. Halley Gross, who was a pivotal writer and executive producer for the show’s second season, recently announced she’s stepping down ahead of Season 3. This news came hot on the heels of another significant announcement: Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the original game and a prominent figure behind the series, will also be stepping back from creative duties for the upcoming season. Gross notably co-wrote The Last of Us Part II game with Druckmann, and she was an integral member of the writing team for the second season, instrumental in bringing some of the story’s most unforgettable moments to the screen. On social media, Gross shared that working with Neil, Craig Mazin, and the entire HBO crew was a transformative experience for her, stating she’s now making room for what comes next. She did not disclose any details about what those next projects might be, though. As for Druckmann, who wrote or co-wrote multiple episodes and even directed two, he said he’s stepping away from his creative role on The Last of Us to focus on other Naughty Dog projects. He specifically mentioned a game called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Rest assured, he will still be involved with the series as an executive producer and co-creator, maintaining a connection to the project.

Craig Mazin, the showrunner for The Last of Us, publicly thanked both of them for their dedicated work. He also emphasized that he remains at the helm and will continue to lead the production alongside the rest of the team. He’s fully committed to adhering to the core story of the game. He stated that despite these changes in the creative team, they are still going to adapt The Last of Us Part II‘s story with meticulous care. While an official release date for the third season has not yet been announced, it is anticipated that it will not premiere until 2027. This upcoming season is expected to delve further into the events of the second game, with a significant focus on the character of Abby, who is played by Kaitlyn Dever. Abby made a brief appearance at the very end of the second season.

For those interested in learning more about Neil Druckmann’s transition from “The Last of Us” to his upcoming projects at Naughty Dog, be sure to check out Bruno Pferd’s insightful piece published on July 3, 2025. The article delves into the reasons behind Druckmann’s decision and explores his future endeavors, including the intriguing game “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet”. As we digest the recent news of Halley Gross and Neil Druckmann stepping away from HBO’s *The Last of Us* ahead of Season 3, it’s clear that this shift marks a significant moment for both the show and its fans. For a deeper dive into why Druckmann is leaving his creative role to focus on video games like *Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet*, check out Carlos Mendoza’s insightful piece, “The Last of Us: Neil Druckmann Steps Down from Series for Legitimate Reasons” (published July 3, 2025). His analysis sheds light on the reasons behind these departures and what they might mean for the series moving forward. Don’t miss it! Meanwhile, for gamers eager to dive into the latest sales trends on the PlayStation Store, be sure to check out Marcus Thompson’s piece titled “Death Stranding 2 and Rematch Lead Sales on PS Store,” published on July 3, 2025. The article highlights the most popular titles across the US, Canada, and Europe in June, with surprising insights into how different regions are embracing unique gaming experiences. From the resurgence of Death Stranding 2 to the enduring popularity of classic games like Elden Ring: Nightfall and Forza Horizon 5, there’s plenty to explore (Neil Druckmann Steps Away from “The Last of Us” Series at HBO to Focus on Naughty Dog’s Games, Including “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet), (The Last of Us: Neil Druckmann Steps Down from Series for Legitimate Reasons), Death Stranding 2 and Rematch Lead Sales on PS Store.