Santa Monica, California — Neil Druckmann has announced he is stepping back from his creative role in HBO’s adaptation of “The Last of Us.” In a statement shared on the official Naughty Dog Instagram page, Druckmann revealed that he has made the challenging choice to focus solely on upcoming projects at Naughty Dog, including the highly anticipated game “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.”
“I’ve made this decision at a pivotal time, with Season 2 wrapped up and before significant work begins on Season 3,” Druckmann said. He expressed gratitude for co-creating the series and highlighted the exceptional talent of the cast and crew in bringing the beloved video game franchise to life. Druckmann previously partnered with Craig Mazin, known for his work on the acclaimed series “Chernobyl,” in crafting the first two seasons of “The Last of Us.”
Alongside Druckmann, Halley Gross, who co-wrote “The Last of Us Part II,” also announced her departure from the series. Gross served as an executive producer and writer for the show. In her statement, she reflected on the transformative experience of working on the project, expressing gratitude for the stories shared about love and loss in a daunting world. “This journey has been life-changing, and I’m excited about the new challenges ahead,” Gross added.
Druckmann’s contributions have been vital to the success of both the original video games and the television adaptation. Season 1 premiered to critical acclaim, garnering significant praise and viewership, with Season 2 released earlier this year. HBO confirmed a third season in April, and Druckmann will retain an executive producer credit moving forward.
Mazin expressed his appreciation for Druckmann’s collaborative spirit. “Working with Neil has been an incredible creative opportunity, and I am eager to see what he accomplishes next,” he said. Mazin commended both Druckmann and Gross for their profound influence on the project and reaffirmed the commitment to delivering a quality series for its audience.
“The Last of Us” has made its mark in television history, receiving 24 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and being recognized as one of HBO’s most highly rated drama series.
Druckmann’s new project, “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet,” was first announced in December and will feature Tati Gabrielle in the lead role, with music composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Although the release date remains unconfirmed, anticipation for the game is building.
This transition marks a significant change for the beloved franchise as it aims to continue captivating audiences while Druckmann and Gross explore new creative avenues. The future remains bright for both the series and its creators as they embark on separate yet exciting paths.