The Last of Us Part 3: A Fresh Beginning with Exciting New Protagonists

The Last of Us franchise, developed by Naughty Dog, has achieved tremendous success on PlayStation since its release in 2013. Serving as a memorable finale to the PS3 era, the series has expanded greatly, encompassing a massive multimedia empire that includes a highly anticipated sequel, comic book adaptations, and an HBO TV show featuring acclaimed actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Although it may still be some years away, a third installment is undoubtedly on the studio's agenda in the near future.

One of the primary contributors to the series' popularity lies in its exceptional writing, which is evident in both the captivating storyline and well-crafted characters. The heart of The Last of Us thus far has been the complex relationship between the protagonists, Joel and Ellie. The first game delved into their unexpected father and daughter bond formed out of necessity, while the second installment explored their attempts to mend a fractured connection. Despite the immense love for these characters, it may be in Naughty Dog's best interest to introduce a fresh set of characters in the next game.

What's Left to Explore from Joel and Ellie?

Despite the immense talent of the narrative writers at Naughty Dog, there remains a question regarding how to further develop Joel and Ellie's relationship in a potential third installment. The Last of Us excellently showcased the love that blossomed between them as they traversed a post-apocalyptic United States. However, The Last of Us 2 took a heartbreaking turn, leaving the duo in a bittersweet state by the story's end.

Complicating matters is the fact that Joel meets his demise in The Last of Us 2, which presents an even greater challenge in creating new content. While one option is to delve into flashbacks depicting Joel and Ellie's interactions to drive the narrative forward, this runs the risk of mirroring the approach taken in The Last of Us 2. Alternatively, it may be prudent to completely move on from Joel and Ellie and instead focus on a fresh group of central characters in a future game.

The Last of Us 3 Needs a New Cast of Characters

Naughty Dog's The Last of Us 2 demonstrated their willingness to introduce a multitude of fresh characters into the narrative, ensuring its ongoing dynamism. Given that Joel and Ellie's story has seemingly reached its dramatic climax in that installment, The Last of Us 3 may take on a different theme to further invigorate the series. This is not to suggest that Ellie cannot have a presence, as she is vital to the essence of the franchise, but shifting the focus to a new ensemble would allow for exploration of captivating creative avenues.

Indeed, it would prove intriguing to witness how other individuals have coped with the viral outbreak and subsequent societal collapse. The Last of Us 2 set the stage for Abby and Lev's discovery of the Fireflies, so perhaps that will be the primary focus in the next installment. Alternatively, Naughty Dog could rewind the narrative to outbreak day, presenting the unfolding of life for an entirely different group from its inception to the present.

The Last of Us is not the first major video game franchise to switch protagonists. PlayStation's inFamous franchise also made a similar change, with the first two games featuring Cole McGrath and the third game introducing Delsin Rowe as the main character. Naughty Dog's future plans for The Last of Us have yet to be revealed, but judging from the studio's past ambitions, the result is likely to be incredibly captivating.