Neil Druckmann Exits HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ Series to Focus on New Naughty Dog Game

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Neil Druckmann Steps Away from HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ Series to Focus on New Game

Neil Druckmann, the creative mind behind The Last of Us game and co-creator of the HBO adaptation, has officially announced his departure from the hit television series. Druckmann shared the news in a statement via the Naughty Dog Instagram account, citing a desire to fully focus on future projects at the studio.

“I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my creative involvement in The Last of Us on HBO,” Druckmann wrote. “With work completed on season 2 and before any meaningful work starts on season 3, now is the right time for me to transition my complete focus to Naughty Dog and its future projects, including writing and directing our exciting next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.”

A Celebrated Run Comes to a Close

Druckmann played a pivotal role in shaping the Emmy-winning series, co-executive producing and writing alongside showrunner Craig Mazin. He described his time on the show as a “career highlight” and expressed deep appreciation for the cast, crew, and collaborative spirit that brought the franchise’s characters and world to life on screen.

“I’m deeply thankful for the thoughtful approach and dedication the talented cast and crew took to adapting The Last of Us Part I and the continued adaptation of The Last of Us Part II,” he added.

Halley Gross Also Departs

Joining Druckmann in the departure is Halley Gross, co-writer of The Last of Us Part II, who served as a writer on the HBO adaptation. “With great care and consideration, I’ve decided to take a step back from my day-to-day work on HBO’s The Last of Us to make space for what comes next,” Gross said in a statement. “Working alongside Neil, Craig, HBO, and this remarkable cast and crew has been life-changing.”

Craig Mazin to Continue Leading the Series

Craig Mazin, the show’s co-creator and co-showrunner, praised Druckmann’s contributions. “It’s been a creative dream to work with Neil and bring an adaptation of his brilliant work to life on HBO,” he said. “While he focuses on his next game, I’ll continue to work with our brilliant cast and crew to deliver the show our audience has come to expect.”

What’s Next?

Druckmann’s new focus will be on Naughty Dog’s upcoming game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a mysterious new IP teased in recent months. As Studio Head and Head of Creative at Naughty Dog, Druckmann is expected to lead development efforts on the title, which remains under wraps but is anticipated to continue the studio’s tradition of rich, story-driven experiences.

Season 2 of The Last of Us premiered earlier this year and received widespread acclaim. With a third season confirmed, Mazin will continue guiding the series forward, while Druckmann shifts back to the world of interactive storytelling.