"The Last of Us Season 2 Trailer Shatters HBO Records Before Premiere"

The anticipation for the second season of The Last of Us is palpable, even though it hasn't premiered yet. The excitement is underscored by the recent trailer released during a SXSW panel, which has achieved a staggering 158 million views across various platforms within just three days. Warner Brothers Discovery reports this as a record-breaking performance for HBO and Max original content, surpassing previous promotional materials by at least 160%.

You can’t stop this.

#TheLastOfUs returns April 13 on Max. pic.twitter.com/DH8UzAugIV

— Max (@StreamOnMax) March 8, 2025

The growing fervor is evident as both new and returning fans eagerly await Season 2. The first season has seen an average of about 32 million cross-platform viewers domestically, a significant leap from the 8.2 million viewers who tuned in for the Season 1 finale in March 2023, as reported by Deadline. This substantial increase in viewership reflects the immense popularity of the series and suggests many are rewatching in preparation for the new season. The Last of Us has become one of HBO's most successful shows in recent years, and these impressive numbers highlight the widespread anticipation and affection for the series.

The Last of Us Season 2 Character Posters

3 Images

Season 2 of The Last of Us will feature a five-year time jump, continuing the journey of Joel and Ellie as they navigate a world that's even more perilous and unpredictable. The narrative will delve into their evolving relationship and the conflicts they face. Returning stars include Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, and Rutina Wesley, joined by new additions such as Kaitlyn Dever, Isabella Merced, Catherine O’Hara, and Jeffrey Wright.

During the SXSW panel, showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin announced the return of spores, which were absent in Season 1. The trailer hints at this reintroduction with a scene featuring Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, observing an infected releasing spores through its breath.

Druckmann elaborated on the escalation in Season 2, stating, "There is an escalation of numbers and types of infected, but also, as you see in the trailer, an escalation of the vector of how this thing spreads." He highlighted the introduction of new elements, such as the tendrils seen in Season 1, and teased the airborne spread shown in the trailer. Mazin confirmed the spores' return, emphasizing that their inclusion was driven by dramatic necessity.

Season 2 of The Last of Us is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, on HBO and HBO Max, promising fans an even more thrilling and emotionally charged continuation of this beloved saga.