The Last of Us Season 2 on HBO will include story elements that were originally cut from the video game The Last of Us Part 2, according to showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Druckmann revealed that the show will revive some "pretty brutal" content, including previously unseen levels that were partially restored in the PlayStation 5 remaster of the game.
This includes three early versions of scrapped levels: Jackson Party, The Hunt, and Seattle Sewers. The first two scenes are more atmospheric—Ellie attends a party in Jackson and later tracks a wounded boar. The third, however, ramps up the tension with classic horror elements as Ellie is hunted by infected creatures in Seattle's underground tunnels.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: New and Returning Characters in the HBO Series
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These restored scenes are designed to keep fans on the edge of their seats. "[It's] pretty brutal, but I'm very excited for people to see it," said Druckmann. He also hinted that a "prominent" character only mentioned in the game will appear—"similar to Frank in Season 1."
Season 2 introduces several new faces, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Tati Gabrielle as Mel. Yet one casting remains a mystery: Catherine O'Hara has joined the show in an undisclosed role.
With the Season 2 premiere scheduled for April, many questions will soon be answered—though some may linger. Unlike Season 1, which adapted the entire first game, HBO plans to split The Last of Us Part 2 across multiple seasons.
Showrunner Craig Mazin explained that Part 2's expanded storyline requires more screen time. Though Season 3 has not been officially announced, Season 2 is structured with a "natural breakpoint" after just seven episodes.
