HBO Quietly Confirms New Fantasy Series Will Replace 'The Last of Us'

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Catherine O'Hara reading a book in 'The Last of Us'

Published Mar 26, 2026, 4:12 PM EDT

In over three years at Collider, senior author Jake has now penned over 2500 articles covering a wide range of TV and film for the resources, lists, utilities, news, and interview teams. Alongside interviewing stars such as Selin Hizli, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Harlan Coben, and Chelsea Peretti, Jake was lucky enough to visit the set of Aardman and Netflix's Wallace and Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl in 2024, getting the chance to chat with four-time Academy Award winner Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham. Jake has also worked for other publications, including Agents of Fandom.

Early in February, it was officially announced that HBO is developing a Baldur’s Gate television series. At the helm of the adaptation is none other than The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin, who is no stranger to turning beloved video games into popular hits for HBO. Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a hugely popular RPG that has enticed many millions of players since its 2023 debut. "After putting nearly 1000 hours into the incredible world of Baldur’s Gate 3, it is a dream come true to be able to continue the story that Larian and Wizards of the Coast created," Mazin said in a statement about his challenge to create, write, executive produce, and showrun the adaptation.

However, before the Baldur's Gate series makes its debut sometime in the distant future, there's the small matter of a third season of The Last of Us to address, with Kaitlyn Dever's Abby in the spotlight. Dever is joined in Season 3 by returning faces Bella Ramsey, Isabela Merced, Gabriel Luna, and Jeffrey Wright, while Clea DuVall, Jason Ritter, and Patrick Wilson mark new additions to the cast, and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. replaces Danny Ramirez as Manny due to scheduling conflicts.

Ahead of The Last of Us Season 3, and with confirmation of Mazin's involvement in the Baldur's Gate adaptation, rumors began to swirl that the popular HBO series would be coming to a close after its third installment, despite some hoping it would last much longer. Now, in a recent interview, HBO Max chairman Casey Bloys has seemingly confirmed that this is the plan, responding to a suggestion that Season 3 is the end by saying, "I believe that's where Craig is thinking. We always leave the door open, but I believe that's where he is thinking."

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Casey Bloys Has Indicated When 'Baldur's Gate' Might Begin Production

In the same interview, Bloys indicated that Mazin will not begin his main duties on the Baldur's Gate adaptation until The Last of Us Season 3 is completed. "Obviously, he's deep into season 3 of The Last of Us – but Baldur’s Gate was something he brought to us," Bloys said. "He's very passionate about it, and he's thinking about it, and we've talked about it, but he's going to focus on The Last of Us, and then come back to [Baldur’s Gate] when he's got more time."

The third season of The Last of Us will premiere on HBO in 2027, with Seasons 1 and 2 streaming now. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.