The showrunner will not return to a hypothetical third episode and leaves the future of the HBO series in the air

After winning criticisms and fans with an impeccable adaptation of the first game, Craig Mazin has decided to finish The last of us. The person responsible for the transfer Bad dog The small screen confirmed that it will not return if one day a third is developed.

“I’ll be out”he declared in no uncertain terms in an interview with Comicbookclarify that his commitment is limited to the story that already exists in the original material.

Mazin’s Goodbye

“This work is very difficult. My intention is to take this story until the end of what is currentMazin explained, clarifying that it is not a sudden decision or a fruit of momentary exhaustion, but a meditated planning.

Of course, that Mazin leaves the ship does not mean that HBO will stop the machinery. The chain has already let it fall The series could extend up to four seasonsbeing three of them completely dedicated to adapting The last part of us IIwhich has a much wider and more complex narrative approach.

Neil DruckmannVideoogocochio cooking and executive producer of the series, now has the last word on what can come later. Even if at the moment there is no The Last of Us Part III Officially in development, the waters are somehow addicted: while Druckmann states it Bad dog It focuses on a new science fiction project, other relationships ensure that the third episode would already be in its initial stages.

Is the last of us part III?

In the event that a third game ends up being a reality and HBO wants to adapt it, Mazin has already clarified his position: His involvement would be minimal. “There is more The last of us? That decision mainly falls in Neil and Bad dog. If you have more stories to tell, I would like to be as a friend of the project. I will be happy to help with all that is easier, but be a screenwriter, director and showrunner again … no. This is the only one for me, “he said.

With these words, The Creator of Chernobyl Elegantly rejects from a universe that has redefined what can be an adaptation of video games.

Despite their march, fans still have a lot to wait: the arch of the plot of Part II It covers multiple temporal lines, new key characters and a much more introspective approach to the trauma of the past, hatred and redemption. This guarantees an intense narration and full of emotions During the next few years, even without Mazin in command.

The inheritance left by Craig Mazin

It is not a small thing that is left behind. Mazin and Druckmann managed to transform the series into a cultural phenomenon with only one season, increasing the quality bar for any future adaptation. His combination of loyalty to the game and the emotional exploration of the characters also did those who had never touched a console were hooked week by week.

Mazin’s work served as Model to follow for future video games adaptationsBy showing that you can be faithful to the original material and at the same time contribute with narrative depth.

In addition, their visual style, the measured use of suspense and the emotional construction of the relationship between Joel and Ellie will be remembered how One of the great milestones of contemporary television.

While the HBO advances in the production of the next seasons, the great stranger is if they know how to maintain the level without Mazin’s witness. And if Bad dog Do you surprise the world with a third, will the chain dare to tell that story without the original team?