It’s hard to believe The Last of Us Part II is nearing its sixth anniversary, especially with the remaster already more than two years behind us. And yet, despite the series’ massive popularity, Naughty Dog has never officially confirmed The Last of Us Part III. That’s why a recent social media post from franchise creator Neil Druckmann has fans paying very close attention, with many convinced a sequel may finally be taking shape.
Druckmann, who leads Naughty Dog, recently shared an Instagram photo featuring early concept sketches tied to what eventually became the original The Last of Us. Interestingly, the drawings date back to 2003, a full decade before the first game launched on PlayStation 3 in 2013. That long development-to-release timeline is a reminder of how far the franchise has come since its earliest ideas—especially after Part II arrived seven years later and quickly became a standout entry for many players.
What’s fueling the latest wave of The Last of Us Part III speculation isn’t just the nostalgic artwork, but the caption that came with it. Druckmann wrote: “Been a wild journey. Grateful for every part of it, especially the few stops that remain on the road ahead.” That final line—“the few stops that remain”—has been interpreted as a deliberate tease. Fans believe it suggests there are still major chapters left to tell, potentially pointing to a third game without explicitly naming it.
Of course, there’s another possibility. With two seasons of the TV adaptation already out and more on the way, some readers think the “stops” could refer to upcoming seasons of the show. However, there’s also talk that Druckmann won’t be as involved in the next season as he has been previously, which has only added to the theory that his focus may be shifting back toward game development—possibly toward The Last of Us Part III.
For now, nothing in the post confirms a sequel outright. It’s vague enough to be interpreted in multiple ways, but specific enough to keep the conversation growing. If Naughty Dog is preparing to move forward, a reveal or teaser later this year wouldn’t be surprising—especially with 2027 lining up as seven years since Part II launched, mirroring the gap between the first two main games.
Until an official announcement arrives, fans will keep watching for the next hint. And if Druckmann’s “road ahead” comment means what many think it means, The Last of Us Part III may be closer than it looks.
