Fans of The Last of Us have been eagerly waiting for Season 2, and now the first trailer is finally here. Released during the show’s panel at SXSW, the trailer gives a deep look into what viewers can expect in the upcoming season.
From intense action scenes to emotional storylines, Season 2 seems ready to take fans on a powerful journey once again.
The new trailer opens with a calm look at Joel and Ellie’s peaceful life in Jackson. But soon, that peace is broken by new dangers and conflicts. The show will now explore rival groups from the video game—the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the Seraphites, as they fight for power in Seattle.
Familiar Faces and Flashbacks from the Game
Fans who have played The Last of Us Part II will notice some very familiar scenes from the game. There’s a touching flashback of Joel and Ellie visiting a museum, which was a favorite moment for many players. We also see Abby and her team walking through snow, and Ellie with her girlfriend Dina dancing in an abandoned train station before they are chased by infected monsters.
These scenes connect deeply with the game’s original fans and show that the show is staying loyal to its source material.
New Scenes and Surprising Additions
Along with the moments taken from the game, the trailer also shows new scenes that were not part of the original story. One shows Joel looking at Ellie’s tattoo, which covers her bite mark. Another shows WLF leader Isaac confronting a prisoner. There’s even a dramatic shot of Joel’s brother Tommy fighting a terrifying Bloater with a flamethrower.
These new scenes hint that the show will expand on the game’s story, giving more details and emotions to each character.
Season 2 Will Stick to Its Controversial Story
Co-creator Neil Druckmann confirmed that Season 2 will not avoid the game’s most controversial and emotional parts. When The Last of Us Part II was released in 2020, some fans were angry about the story, especially after major plot details were leaked early. Both Druckmann and voice actor Laura Bailey received online abuse and threats during that time.
Druckmann shared that it was a tough period. “It was during the early days of COVID. A lot of bad things happened together,” he said. “But we have always done what’s best for the story. We never try to please everyone.”
So fans can expect a bold and emotional story this season—just like the game.
Casting Choices and What’s Next
The showrunners made some interesting casting choices. Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, didn’t need to bulk up her muscles like the game version. The creators wanted to focus more on emotional depth than constant violence. Fans of the game will also recognize Jeffrey Wright, who plays Isaac, just like he did in Part II.
And there’s good news for fans: The Last of Us has already been confirmed for a third season, with filming likely to begin this summer.
However, if you’re waiting for a new game in the series, don’t get too excited. Druckmann said there are no current plans for a third game. Instead, Naughty Dog is now working on a new sci-fi game called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
When and Where to Watch
The Last of Us Season 2 premiered on April 13, 2025, on HBO and Max. So if you haven’t seen the new trailer yet, go check it out. It’s full of action, emotion, and hints about the powerful journey ahead.
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