The Last of Us was one of 2023’s biggest shows as HBO successfully adapted the hit video game, but despite how faithful it was to the source material, season 2 is set to make an interesting tweak to the timeline. After decades of mixed receptions to video game adaptations, the 2020s seemed to finally get them right, with The Last of Us standing out as one of the best yet, hence its renewal for several more seasons. Alongside HBO finally confirming The Last of Us season 2’s release date, some major details about the next installment were revealed.
The story will officially continue on April 13, 2025, but one small tweak suggests the show won’t follow The Last of Us Part II quite as closely as it did the original game. Although season 1 added some extra content that didn’t appear in the source material, the series was widely praised for how faithful it was to the franchise’s first entry. However, The Last of Us season 2’s small game change could have a potentially big impact on the overall tone and narrative, making the show’s return all the more interesting after the confirmed timeline alteration.
The Last Of Us Season 2 Takes Place Five Years After Season 1’s Ending, Not Four Like The Game
HBO’s Series Has Surprisingly Changed Up The Last Of Us’ Timeline
While season 2’s introduction looks likely to mirror The Last of Us Part II‘s opening, the show will have these events take place one year later than the game did. Part II picks up four years after Joel’s heartbreaking lie to Ellie in The Last of Us‘ original game, but the latest information provided by Warner Brothers. Discovery confirms that there will be five years between seasons 1 and 2. Given how carefully everything has been adapted so far, this is unlikely to be an oversight, and instead a deliberate narrative decision that could potentially alter the series.
Season 2’s trailer already teased several major events from the game, indicating that the story will be largely the same, but the extra year opens up all kinds of possibilities. Having each character be one year older and adding another year to the apocalypse may feel like a relatively minor detail, especially if the narrative looks to be mostly the same. However, in terms of world-building and character development, the longer timeline could be more significant than it seems, creating questions about why HBO decided to make this crucial amendment to the source material.
What A Longer Time Jump Between Seasons Means For The Last Of Us Season 2
The Last Of Us Season 2 Has More Flashback & Relationship-Building Opportunities
Having an extra year’s gap between seasons means HBO may expand upon certain aspects of the story. Given the events of The Last of Us Part II look set to be told over several seasons, the timeline expansion means there may be more of a chance to add extra flashback scenes, which could help flesh out Ellie and Joel’s complex relationship alongside Abby’s backstory. In addition, Jeffrey Wright’s Isaac may have a bigger role in season 2, as his character is one of the most interesting villains in the franchise, despite having limited screen time in Part II.
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With how much was going on in the second game, there simply wasn’t enough of an opportunity to explore Isaac’s full potential, but the extra year could help further develop his rise to power. The timeline change also means Ellie’s relationship with Dina, Jessie, and Tommy can all be expanded on, since they will have known each other longer in the series than in the games. The Last of Us season 2’s small tweak may also be a sign that the series could be making more changes going forward, showing just how big an impact this small alteration could have.
Source: Warner Brothers. Discovery
The Last Of Us
8/10
- Release Date
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January 15, 2023
- Network
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HBO Max
- Showrunner
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Craig Mazin
