The anticipation for The Last of Us Season 2 is palpable, even before its premiere. The recently released trailer, unveiled at SXSW, has already amassed over 158 million views across platforms in just three days—a record for HBO and Max original programming, exceeding previous promotional views by at least 160%, according to Warner Brothers Discovery. This staggering number reflects the show's growing popularity, with Season 1 episodes averaging around 32 million cross-platform viewers domestically, a significant increase from the 8.2 million same-day viewers for the Season 1 finale. This surge suggests a considerable rewatch audience, eager for the next chapter. The show's undeniable success is evident, solidifying its place as one of HBO's most popular series in recent years.

The Last of Us Season 2 Character Posters

Season 2 will feature a five-year time jump, depicting Joel and Ellie's struggle against a more dangerous and unpredictable world, and against each other. Returning stars Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, and Rutina Wesley will be joined by newcomers Kaitlyn Dever, Isabella Merced, Catherine O’Hara, and Jeffrey Wright.

At the SXSW panel, showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin confirmed the return of spores, a key element omitted from Season 1. The trailer hints at their reintroduction, showcasing Ellie encountering an infected releasing spores. Druckmann explained an escalation in the number and types of infected, along with a change in the infection vector. He highlighted the dramatic shift from the tendrils in Season 1 to the airborne spores featured in the trailer. Mazin confirmed the spores' return, emphasizing the dramatic necessity of their introduction at this point in the story.

The Last of Us Season 2 premieres April 13, 2025, on HBO and HBO Max.