The Last of Us Part 3: Fans Want Ellie's Return

With Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann recently hinting at the possibility of The Last of Us Part III, excitement is building among fans. The The Last of Us franchise, which began in 2013, has become a cornerstone of gaming, inspiring a sequel, remasters, and an acclaimed HBO adaptation.

Will The Last Of Us Part 3 Introduce A New Lead?

The Last of Us Part I centered on Joel, a smuggler tasked with protecting Ellie in a post-apocalyptic America. The Last of Us Part II shifted focus to Ellie and introduced Abby as a parallel protagonist, exploring themes of loss and revenge. This dual-protagonist structure raises questions about who will lead The Last of Us Part III, and whether Abby will return alongside a new character.

Fan Demand for Ellie's Story

Despite discussions about characters like a grown-up JJ or continuing Tommy’s narrative on Reddit, the overwhelming consensus is that Ellie should return as the protagonist. Many believe her story remains unfinished, particularly given the ambiguous ending of The Last of Us Part II.

“I want the story to follow Ellie, if at all possible,” one user shared. “I think she’s always been the heart of this series.” Another agreed, stating, “The Last of Us is Ellie’s story at its center…the protagonist of TLOU 3 should be Ellie.”

Is Ellie's Story Really Finished?

The conclusion of The Last of Us Part II depicts Ellie walking away, leaving behind her guitar and two fingers. Having found a measure of peace after her quest for revenge, she embarks on an uncertain path. Her future – whether she returns to Jackson, seeks out Dina and JJ, or starts anew – remains unknown.

While some appreciate the open-ended nature of Ellie’s conclusion, allowing for interpretation, others hope for closure. The franchise’s dark tone could have resulted in a far worse fate for Ellie, and her newfound freedom is a positive outcome. Ultimately, fans express confidence in Naughty Dog’s ability to deliver a compelling continuation should The Last of Us Part III materialize.

Game Details

  • Released: June 14, 2013
  • ESRB: M for Mature (Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language)
  • Developer: Naughty Dog
  • Publisher: Sony
  • Engine: Proprietary, Havok
  • Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
  • Cross-Platform Play: No
  • Cross Save: No
  • Expansions: The Last of Us: Left Behind