Last Of Us Creator Breaks Silence On Season 3 Exit
The Last of Us debuted to overwhelmingly positive reviews and a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The sophomore season has a 91% RT score, though it faced a lot more criticism.
Druckmann spoke to
When asked about the timeline of his decision to leave, Druckmann revealed after they wrapped season 2, but before the writers' room for The Last of Us season 3 started, he assessed the situation and realized that he would be better served staying at video game developer Naughty Dog full-time.
He contributed a lot to the second season, including writing and directing some episodes, and he wasn't convinced that he could keep up that pace again. His only involvement with
He sees his role as shepherding the show along to be as great as it can be. His hope for the upcoming season is that it will be just as faithful to the video game as season 1, which he considers to be the "
"We have this data: People have watched the show and have come back and bought a PlayStation or bought it on PC and have played ‘The Last of Us,’ and that has become this gateway for them, for this medium that I love so much. But it was really hard work, and I was really there in the weeds to get season 1 off the ground, and then it was important to get [season 2 and the storyline for] game 2 off the ground as well, because I love that story so much. But now I felt like the path has been set for it. It was time to go back to the thing that started it all, which is just full-time video game work. But other things are coming and we can announce more things soon."
"It was right when we were about to start the writers’ room for season 3. I looked at what’s in front of me, what would the next season might look like, and with all the various 'Last of Us' things I’m working on — not just the show — with all the various games I’m working on, the biggest one that takes up most of my time is 'Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet,' our next big IP for Naughty Dog and PlayStation, it felt like I could better serve all of my responsibilities if I stayed at a higher level. It was quite challenging to be as involved as a co-showrunner on season 1 and season 2, while running a studio and working and directing and writing a game. I really appreciated at Naughty Dog how many people stepped up while I was gone working on season 2. Specifically, I spent quite a bit of effort on Episode 206 — prepping it, writing it, directing it. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do that again. So I felt it around that period when we’re wrapping up all the press and really about to get started with earnest in season 3, that was a good time to reassess everything."
"We had started talking about what is left to adapt back when we were working on season 2, because we knew we would not be able to finish it and we were gonna end on a cliffhanger. As I was saying earlier, my job now is to stay very high level. As much as I miss getting into the weeds and working on the effects shots and giving script notes and really getting into the details of it, I’m trying to just shepherd it. My hope for season 3, and what I’d like to I think I can best contribute to it, is to make sure it’s as deeply faithful as season 1 was. Because I feel like that is the gold standard for this kind of adaptation, while enjoying all these beautiful expansions that happen naturally with the rest of the team and how they’re working on season 3. So that is where my involvement will stay is at that very, very high level."
What Neil Druckmann's Exit Means For The Last Of Us
As Druckmann co-created The Last of Us video game, his involvement in the TV show came as a huge relief to fans since it meant HBO would likely be filming a faithful adaptation. Even though the second season received more criticism, it still has a high score on Rotten Tomatoes, so Druckmann succeeded in his role as a co-creator, co-showrunner, writer, and director.
Those are a lot of roles for one person to have on a TV show, and adding in the fact that he was also still working at Naughty Dog, it became too much for him to take on. If he had remained on
Our Take On Neil Druckmann's Exit Explanation
As disappointing as it is to see Druckmann leave The Last of Us, no one can blame him for making a decision he felt was best for himself personally and professionally. The remaining producers can reach out to him if they need guidance on the best way to adapt a particular storyline, like the consequences of
Todd Chrisley Shocks Fans by Declaring His Loyalty to BOTH Tamar Braxton and Kandi Burruss
In a bombshell revelation that nobody saw coming, Todd Chrisley has officially dropped the ultimate friendship curveball. The Chrisley Knows Best star stunned fans when he openly declared that he’s not only friends with Tamar Braxton but also with her sometimes-rival, Kandi Burruss. Yes, you read that right — Chrisley is standing firmly in the middle of one of reality TV’s most eyebrow-raising dynamics.
During a recent sit-down, Todd gushed about both women with unapologetic admiration, calling them “equally talented, driven, and unstoppable.” He refused to pit them against each other — a move that’s already sparking heated debates online. “I love them both the same,” Chrisley insisted, adding that he could call on either Tamar or Kandi at any time. His words were delivered with conviction, and for a man who has never shied away from controversy, this declaration landed like a thunderclap across Bravo and RHOA fandoms alike.
What makes this shocking? Simple: Tamar and Kandi’s history is anything but smooth sailing. Fans still remember the bitter tension between the two powerhouse singers, clashes that spilled into the public eye and turned into social media firestorms. Many assumed friendships were fractured forever — yet here comes Todd Chrisley, unapologetically placing himself in the middle without “being in the middle.” Confusing? Maybe. Strategic? Definitely.
Chrisley doubled down on his stance, making it clear he refuses to get dragged into feuds that don’t involve him directly. “I’m not the kind of friend who chooses sides,” he said bluntly, in what sounded almost like a warning to the gossip-hungry public. “I’ll celebrate Tamar’s wins. I’ll celebrate Kandi’s wins. Period.”
Naturally, fans are split. Some applaud his loyalty and ability to navigate two fierce friendships without creating enemies. Others, however, are skeptical — accusing Chrisley of playing safe and avoiding drama at all costs. Social media is ablaze with questions: Can someone truly be neutral in Bravo-land? Or is this just another headline-grabbing stunt from a reality star who knows exactly how to keep his name trending?
One thing is undeniable: Todd Chrisley just turned up the heat in the ongoing saga between Tamar Braxton and Kandi Burruss. Whether this ends in peace, betrayal, or another messy showdown, the world will be watching — popcorn in hand.
