Neil Druckmann, the co-creator and executive producer of the acclaimed HBO series “The Last of Us,” is stepping away from his hands-on role with the show. The writer and director of the original video games will have limited involvement in the upcoming third season.
Druckmann, who is also the Co-President of the game development studio Naughty Dog, announced he is shifting his focus to the studio’s future projects. The decision comes after the conclusion of work on the show’s second season.
In a statement, Druckmann explained his departure, expressing gratitude for the experience of adapting his creation for television.
“I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my creative involvement in The Last of Us on HBO,” Druckmann stated. “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, along with my responsibilities as Studio Head and Head of Creative.”
He continued, calling the collaboration a career highlight. “It’s been an honor to work alongside Craig Mazin to executive produce, direct and write on the last two seasons. 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.”
Druckmann will remain an executive producer on the series. Co-creator Craig Mazin will continue to serve as the showrunner for the HBO adaptation, which has garnered both critical acclaim and a massive viewership. The series is expected to continue following the narrative of the second game in its future seasons.
