Overview

• Mazin and Neil Druckmann spoke at Variety’s A Night in the Writers’ Room to address backlash over the early removal of their lead character.
• Mazin clarified that Pedro Pascal is alive and appears in other projects despite fan confusion over the storyline.
• Druckmann described the character’s removal as the necessary inciting incident that sets the emotional tone for season two.
• The duo acknowledged unprecedented pressure to meet high expectations following the show’s acclaimed first season.
• HBO has confirmed The Last of Us will return for a third season with a premiere date yet to be announced and a fourth season expected to follow.