The Last of Us season 2 has left fans deeply emotional following the tragic demise of Joel (Pedro Pascal). However, the anticipation of Ellie’s fate (Bella Ramsey) has intensified discussions among viewers. Could Ellie, the show’s remaining protagonist, also face a devastating end? The burning question on everyone’s mind is whether Ellie meets her demise in the season 2 finale of The Last of Us?
Hollywood Life provides an in-depth analysis of the shocking season 2 finale and the uncertain future of Ellie. (Warning: spoilers for The Last of Us season 2 finale are ahead)
What to Expect in Season 3 of The Last of Us?
HBO has officially announced the renewal of The Last of Us for a highly anticipated season 3. This upcoming season will pivot around Kaitlyn Dever‘s character, Abby, who is pivotal to the unfolding narrative. As fans are painfully aware, Abby brutally avenges her father’s death by killing Joel in season 2, a direct response to his actions in season 1 where he took extreme measures to protect Ellie from being used by the Fireflies to develop a vaccine against the deadly Cordyceps brain infection.
In a candid interview with the Los Angeles Times in May 2025, Kaitlyn revealed her intense fear and emotional burden while filming her first scene as Abby, where she confronts and kills Joel in front of Ellie. This experience was particularly poignant for Kaitlyn as she was grieving the recent loss of her beloved mother, Kathy, who succumbed to breast cancer in February 2024, adding layers of complexity to her performance.
“I had spent so much time contemplating my mom’s death before she passed away, wrestling with the idea of how I would continue without her. I couldn’t fathom moving forward,” Kaitlyn expressed. “It’s a deeply heart-wrenching reality to accept that life continues on, and we must choose whether to embrace it or step back. My mother was incredibly supportive of my acting career, and after her passing, I felt a profound obligation to honor her memory by participating in this project. I had to do it for her.”
What Happens to Ellie in the Season 2 Finale of The Last of Us?
In a dramatic twist during the final moments of the season 2 finale, it appears that Ellie is shot by Abby. As the two characters confront each other, the tension mounts. Abby, now a former member of the Fireflies, ambushes Ellie with the chilling remark, “I let you live, and you wasted it.” This foreboding statement is followed by the sound of a gunshot, leaving viewers in suspense as the screen fades to black.
Following this shocking event, the narrative shifts to another setting, seemingly in the past. Abby is seen walking onto a balcony at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, which serves as a stronghold for the Washington Liberation Front. The screen displays the words, “Seattle Day One,” evoking a sense of nostalgia and recognition among fans familiar with Ellie’s journey and experiences.
While the situation appears dire for Ellie, there is a strong belief among fans that she may not be dead. The series has closely followed the storyline of the original video game, in which both Ellie and Abby survive, suggesting that there is still hope for Ellie’s character in future episodes.
When Can Fans Expect Season 3 of The Last of Us to Premiere?
As of now, HBO has yet to announce a specific release date for season 3 of The Last of Us, and production has not commenced. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates, hoping for more thrilling and emotional narratives as the journey of Ellie and her companions continues.
