Last of Us co‑creator Neil Druckmann exited the HBO show to tackle something bigger: sci‑fi.
The Last of Us season 2 dropped in April and brought both crush-your-heart storytelling and some serious backlash. Critics praised its visuals, pacing, and emotional beats. Rotten Tomatoes scored it 92% and Metacritic landed at 81 out of 100.
Fans were polarised. Some review bombed it over the Ellie and Dina arc, calling it “woke.” Others said Ellie felt softened compared to the games. Still, standout performances from Isabela Merced and more made it a must-watch.
Through it all, Druckmann’s ever watchful eye helped steer the story with the same grit and heartbreak as the original.
Last of Us creator logs off HBO to go full space prophet
Neil Druckmann stepped away from creative duties on the HBO series to dive fully into Naughty Dog’s next phase.
Specifically, writing and directing their upcoming game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. He announced the move after season 2 wrapped and before season 3 began.
He called the decision “difficult,” yet clear: season 2 was done, season 3 work was still far off. He wants to refocus on Naughty Dog, where he’ll write and direct Intergalactic, while continuing as Studio Head and Head of Creative. He praised teaming with Craig Mazin on the show and thanked the cast and crew for faithfully adapting The Last of Us Part 1 and 2.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet will be PS5‑exclusive sci‑fi game, unveiled at TGA 2024, stars bounty hunter Jordan A. Mun stranded on an alien world battling issues of faith and survival.
Tati Gabrielle, who played Nora in season 2, leads the cast and is training to brace for hate, thanks to Druckmann’s “boot‑camp” on dealing with online mobs. She’s publicly faced backlash over race, gender, and style, yet remains defiant and ready.
With Druckmann gone, Craig Mazin is now sole showrunner for season 3. The series still has momentum, but his exit echoes that of Game of Thrones’ creative shifts mid‑run. Will it stay sharp without its co‑creator? We’ll find out, hopefully, with fewer dragons, more clickers, and no derailed narratives.
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