Naughty Dog Confirms Two New The Last of Us Projects in Early Development
Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann confirmed on September 28, 2026, that the studio is developing two new projects set in The Last of Us universe. Both are in early stages and will expand the canon beyond Part I and Part II. Details remain undisclosed, and it is unclear if they are games or other media. Naughty Dog also delayed a full reveal of its sci-fi game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet until 2027.
Key points
- Neil Druckmann announced two new The Last of Us projects during the 2026 Last of Us Day celebration.
- Both projects are in very early development stages and will expand the franchise's canon.
- It is not confirmed whether the projects are video games, TV series, or other media formats.
- Naughty Dog delayed a full reveal of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet until 2027.
- HBO's The Last of Us Season 3 is in production, with potential plans to condense the series to three seasons.
Background
The Last of Us franchise has expanded since its 2013 debut, including a 2020 sequel, a 2022 remake, and an HBO adaptation. Naughty Dog previously canceled its official multiplayer mode in 2023 and has faced fan efforts to create unofficial multiplayer mods. The studio is currently focused on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a sci-fi game announced in 2024 with a soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
How outlets are covering it
GameSpot and Game Informer report that Druckmann confirmed two new projects but did not specify if they are games. Inverse notes that while the projects could be games, they might also be TV, film, or comic book adaptations, given the franchise's existing expansion into television. All sources agree that the projects are in early stages and will expand the canon beyond Part I and Part II. Game Informer highlights that Druckmann used the term 'projects' rather than 'games,' suggesting ambiguity about the format.
Why it matters
The confirmation of two new projects signals Naughty Dog's continued investment in The Last of Us franchise, which has become a cultural touchstone for post-apocalyptic storytelling. The delay of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet until 2027 suggests a strategic focus on quality over speed, while the potential expansion of The Last of Us into new media formats could broaden the franchise's reach beyond gaming.
What to watch
Naughty Dog is expected to provide more details on the two new The Last of Us projects in the future, though no timeline has been given. A full reveal of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is planned for 2027. HBO's The Last of Us Season 3 is in production, with potential plans to condense the series to three seasons.
- Naughty Dog Is Working On Two New The Last Of Us Projects GameSpot
- The Last Of Us: Naughty Dog Is Working On Two Projects That Will Expand The Canon Of The Series Beyond Part I And Part II Game Informer
- Naughty Dog Boss Teases 2 New The Last of Us Projects That 'Will Expand the canon...Beyond Part I and Part II' IGN
- New Last of Us sequel projects teased, but they may not be video games TweakTown
- A Beloved Post-Apocalyptic Franchise Is Getting Two New Mystery Projects Inverse
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