HBO's "The Last of Us" live-action series is heading into its third season, but the original game developer, Naughty Dog, will not be involved in the show's creative process this time around.
Studio head Neil Druckmann recently confirmed to "The Washington Post" that not only is he personally stepping back, but Naughty Dog also had no role in shaping the creative direction for the third season. However, he simultaneously emphasized that the studio is "not done" with "The Last of Us" franchise.
"I was not involved in planning the story for this season, and Naughty Dog had no role in the creative direction for this season, so I personally can't speak to how far along it is," Druckmann stated.
Despite Naughty Dog's withdrawal from the HBO series production, this doesn't signal an end to their involvement with "The Last of Us." Druckmann further revealed that several related projects are currently underway.
"It's important for us, as the creators of these games, that Naughty Dog remains the steward of this IP," he said. "Even if this might be the end for this adaptation, we are not done with 'The Last of Us.' We have several projects in the works, and I'm very excited to talk about them when the time is right."
The specific nature of these projects remains undisclosed. Speculation naturally points to the long-awaited "The Last of Us Part III" or potentially other spin-off content. There's also no confirmation regarding a possible revival of the previously canceled "The Last of Us Online" multiplayer game.
Currently, Naughty Dog's primary development focus is on their brand-new title, "Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet." The cinematic performance capture for the game has recently been completed, though a release timeline has yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, HBO's "The Last of Us" Season 3 continues to expand its cast and will move forward without Naughty Dog's direct creative input.
via： The Washington Post