The Last of Us season three is officially filming, and new set photos have dropped the curtain on Kyriana Kratter as Lev and Kaitlyn Dever as Abby. The images show the duo navigating Seattle’s ruined skyline, with Kratter sporting Lev’s signature shaved head and Seraphite gear-complete with bow and arrows. Dever’s Abby is back in her blue jacket from the season two finale, signaling a direct narrative handoff.
This season pivots from Bella Ramsey’s Ellie to Abby’s perspective, mirroring the structure of The Last of Us Part 2. Players familiar with the game know these characters mark a major tonal shift. Alongside Lev, the season introduces Abby’s father Jerry (Patrick Wilson) and Yara (Michelle Mao), expanding the cast and deepening the Seattle arc.
Why players should care
For fans, this means the HBO series is doubling down on the game’s most divisive and ambitious storyline. Lev’s arrival signals the start of the Seraphite conflict and the emotional gut-punches that defined the sequel. The casting of Kratter, who has visibly committed to the role with a full head shave, suggests the showrunners aren’t shying away from the game’s boldest beats.
There’s no release date yet-HBO is only saying “2027 or later.” That’s a long wait, but the production’s scale and fidelity to the source material are clear. Speculation: With the story shifting to Abby and Lev, expect the show’s tone and pacing to change dramatically. The upcoming season is also rumored to be the series’ last, so stakes are high for both new and returning viewers.
Behind the scenes shakeup
Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann has stepped back from the show after season two to refocus on game development, including the studio’s next project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. HBO’s CEO Casey Bloys isn’t worried, stating that Druckmann has “given us a good blueprint with the show.” The creative team will have to stick the landing without the game director’s direct involvement.
For players and series fans, the focus now shifts to how closely the show will track the game’s controversial second act. With Lev and Abby front and center, expect new character dynamics, brutal action, and plenty of online debate when the season finally drops.