Season 2 is expected to adapt the second video game in the beloved franchise, with Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal set to return.

We knew it might be a bit of a wait, but we’ve officially had it confirmed: The Last of Us returns to our screens in 2025 for a second season. The most successful video game television adaptation of all time — critically, we’re arguing — was a cultural phenomenon when it was released at the beginning of 2023, but few could have predicted just how big the series would become. We already knew production of the series would begin this winter. In a Writers Room panel hosted by Variety, showrunner Craig Mazin confirmed production on Season 2 will begin on February 12, 2024.

The first season was met with critical acclaim, particularly for the performances of its stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Ramsey told Collider last month that they are thrilled at the prospect of returning to the series, and teased which plot points they are most excited about taking part in when the show returns, including the chance to film a romance storyline with the character of Dina, briefly glimpsed in Season 1.

Yeah, lots of things. I’m excited for the really intense stuff, because I did a bit of that in Season 1 obviously, but to do that. And actually more physical scenes because Ellie is obviously more physically fit in Season 2. I love stunt stuff, and like waking up with bruises the next day, and finding myself with a black eye, just because it feels like so good to have done it.

So I’m looking forward to doing that stuff, and also the Dina storyline. Because obviously, I had the one episode in Season 1 with Ellie and Riley, but to have it as a storyline throughout the whole of the second game in terms of Ellie and Dina is really exciting.

What Can We Expect From ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2

Season 2 will see the show follow the storyline set out in the acclaimed video game The Last of Us Part II. Season 2 continues the adventures of Joel and Ellie a few years after the conclusion of the first season, but there’s a sting in the tail: the introduction of Abby Anderson. Beyond Joel and Ellie, she holds the most pivotal role of any character in the entire universe of the show. Without divulging any plot details from The Last of Us Part II for those who haven’t experienced it for themselves, if Season 1 struck you as dark and troubling, you best brace yourself because Part II takes it to another level, and there will be moments when you’ll want to look away. The game stands as one of the most brilliantly written and thought-provoking stories across all mediums.

The prospect of its adaptation in Season 2 is both thrilling and daunting. Notably, Abby’s character has already found its actor, though the identity remains undisclosed for now — even with speculation rampant. However, now that we have a release window and a start date for production, the casting news can’t be far away. Stay tuned at Collider for further updates.