Could The Last of Us Part III Move On from Ellie and Abby?

With the future of the franchise up in the air, fans are wondering if The Last of Us Part III will continue the stories of Ellie and Abby or introduce new characters.

As rumors swirl about the potential development of The Last of Us Part III, one of the biggest questions on fans’ minds is whether the game will move on from Ellie and Abby. Both characters have had extensive and deeply emotional story arcs across the first two games, and while their journeys have shaped the narrative, it seems the series may be poised for something new in the next installment.

The emotional weight of Ellie and Abby’s stories was a defining feature of The Last of Us Part II, and the conclusion of their arcs left fans with a sense of closure, but also curiosity about what comes next. Naughty Dog, the acclaimed studio behind the series, has always emphasized the emotional depth and complexity of its characters, and it’s possible that the studio could decide to introduce a new protagonist—or even a new group of characters—while still preserving the world and themes that fans love.

Neil Druckmann, the creative director of The Last of Us series, has previously hinted that the team is already thinking about the future of the franchise. While he has not confirmed specifics, he has expressed a desire to expand the world and explore new narratives beyond the scope of the current central characters. In a recent interview, Druckmann teased that The Last of Us Part III could feature new characters and a shift in focus, potentially allowing the franchise to evolve while still remaining true to its roots.

Some fans speculate that a potential game could delve into new regions or explore the lives of survivors outside of Ellie and Abby’s circle. With the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us still rich with untold stories, new narratives could introduce fresh perspectives, themes, and conflicts that keep the franchise feeling dynamic and evolving.

However, there are also those who argue that the connection to Ellie and Abby is central to the heart of the series. Their emotional journeys, their struggles with trauma, and their fight for survival have resonated deeply with players. Moving on from them might risk losing the emotional core of what makes The Last of Us so compelling. Whether it’s through flashbacks, cameos, or side stories, some fans believe there will always be a place for these characters in the franchise’s future.

Ultimately, The Last of Us Part III could find a balance between continuity and change. The rich universe of the series leaves room for exploration of new stories, but it’s clear that any continuation will need to honor the deeply personal, character-driven nature that fans have come to expect.

Highlight:

• “The big question is whether The Last of Us Part III will move on from Ellie and Abby or introduce new characters.”
• “Neil Druckmann has hinted at the possibility of expanding the world and introducing new narratives beyond Ellie and Abby.”
• “Some fans argue that the emotional core of the series lies in Ellie and Abby’s stories, making it hard to move on from them.”
• “The The Last of Us universe still holds untold stories that could introduce fresh perspectives and themes.”
• “The next game might balance continuity with change, giving fans new stories while honoring the series’ core.”