Production on the third season of HBO’s The Last of Us is back in motion after a planned break, and new footage from the set points to a major sequence from the video game. A recently surfaced video shows Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby Anderson, in what appears to be the moments leading up to an ambush by the Seraphites – a key moment from The Last of Us Part II that sets off a chain of important events for her character.
The series, which adapts the popular Naughty Dog video game franchise, started filming season three in Vancouver on March 2, 2026. Production went on a temporary pause from June 1 to June 28. Now that cameras are rolling again, the new set video has given viewers a look at what is coming next.
The Ambush Scene and What It Means for Abby
The footage shows Dever’s Abby in a tense situation that game players will recognise immediately. In The Last of Us Part II, Abby and her patrol group are caught off guard by the Seraphites – also called the Scars – while out on patrol in Seattle. The attack leads to a violent fight and serves as a turning point in Abby’s story.
This ambush is not just another action sequence. It is the moment where Abby meets Lev and Yara, two characters who become central to her journey. Lev, played by Kyriana Kratter, is a young Seraphite who leaves his religious group. Yara, played by Michelle Mao, is his older sister. Their paths cross with Abby’s during this ambush, and the events that follow change the direction of her story in the game.
The new set video, shared on social media, captures Dever in the moments before the attack. While HBO has not officially confirmed the scene, fans have been quick to point out the connections to the game.
A Shift in Focus to Abby’s Story
Season three of The Last of Us is following the structure of the second game, where the narrative shifts to Abby’s perspective. After the events of season two, which ended with Ellie confronting Abby, the new season will put Abby at the centre.
Bella Ramsey will still appear as Ellie, but the focus will move to Abby’s side of the story. This change was always part of the plan. Dever was told about this shift when she was cast for the second season. Co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann confirmed during an Emmys FYC event that Dever would lead season three.
The decision follows the game closely. In The Last of Us Part II, players spend roughly half the game controlling Abby, learning her motivations and seeing the world from her point of view. The series is taking the same approach.
Cast and New Additions for Season Three
The main cast for season three includes several returning and new faces. Kaitlyn Dever leads as Abby Anderson. Bella Ramsey returns as Ellie, and Isabela Merced is back as Dina. Jeffrey Wright also returns as Isaac.
New additions to the cast include Patrick Wilson, who plays Abby’s father Jerry. Wilson is known for his work in Insidious, The Conjuring, and Watchmen. Jason Ritter has joined as Hanley, a WLF soldier. Clea Duvall and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. are also part of the cast, with Lendeborg taking on the role of Manny. Ariela Barer reprises her role as Mel.
Kyriana Kratter plays Lev, and Michelle Mao plays Yara. Spencer Lord and Tati Gabrielle are also returning as Abby’s friends.
Filming Locations and Production Timeline
Filming for season three takes place in and around Vancouver, Canada. The production has been spotted in various locations around the city, including downtown Vancouver and New Westminster. Some scenes have been filmed in public spaces, leading to photos and videos appearing online.
The production schedule runs from March 2, 2026, through November 27, 2026. The planned break in June did not affect the overall timeline. Filming is expected to continue through the end of the year.
Creative Changes Behind the Scenes
Season three will have a change in its creative team. Neil Druckmann, who co-created the series and the original games, will not be part of the writing and directing for this season. He has stepped back to focus on Naughty Dog’s next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Druckmann said it was the right time for him to move on and focus on the studio’s future projects.
Craig Mazin, the other co-showrunner, has said that writing on season three will continue as usual despite Druckmann’s departure. The process is not expected to change much.
When Will Season Three Release?
HBO has not announced a specific premiere date for season three. However, the network is planning for a 2027 release. With filming running through November 2026, a 2027 debut is the most likely scenario. Post-production on a show like The Last of Us typically takes several months, so viewers should expect the new season sometime next year.
What This Scene Means for the Series
For those who have played the games, the ambush scene is a memorable part of Abby’s journey. It is where she meets Lev and Yara, and it sets up the complicated relationship that develops between them. The scene also shows Abby in a vulnerable position, caught between two warring groups – the WLF she belongs to and the Seraphites she is fighting.
The footage from the set suggests the series is staying close to the source material. The ambush, the presence of Abby’s patrol group, and the introduction of Lev and Yara all point to a faithful adaptation of this part of the game.
For viewers who have not played the games, season three will offer a deeper look at Abby’s character. The second season introduced her as the person who killed Joel, but it did not fully explain her reasons. Season three will fill in those gaps, showing her past, her relationships, and the events that shaped her.
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Fan Response and Online Reaction
Fans have been sharing their thoughts on social media since the set video appeared. Some have pointed out that they thought this scene had already been filmed earlier in the year. Others are excited to see how the series handles the introduction of Lev and Yara, two characters who are important to the game’s story.
The ambush scene is one of several key moments from The Last of Us Part II that season three is expected to cover. Previous set photos have shown Abby and Lev together, preparing for action. Other images have shown Abby on rooftops with a rifle.
Staying True to the Game
The Last of Us has built a reputation for staying close to the video games while making changes that work for television. The first season followed the first game closely, and the second season adapted the early part of the second game. Season three will continue that pattern, covering the middle portion of The Last of Us Part II.
The ambush scene is a good example of this approach. It is a recognisable moment from the game, but the series can expand on it, showing more of the characters and their reactions. The set video suggests the production is putting care into recreating the scene’s tension and stakes.
What to Expect Next
With filming ongoing through November, more set photos and videos will likely appear online. The production has been shooting in public locations, so more glimpses of the new season are expected.
For now, the ambush footage gives fans something to discuss while waiting for the new season. It confirms that the show is moving forward with Abby’s story and that key moments from the game will be part of the adaptation.
Season three of The Last of Us is shaping up to be a major chapter in the series. With a shift in focus to Abby, new characters, and a faithful approach to the source material, it has the potential to deliver the same emotional weight and tension that made the games and the first two seasons so popular.
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