The Californian video game developer Naughty Dog has confirmed that two new projects set in the universe of The Last of Us are currently in development. The announcement came as part of a studio letter from head of studio Neil Druckmann, marking the conclusion of the annual “The Last of Us Day” events on 28 September 2026.
While specific details regarding whether these projects are sequels to the existing games or spin-offs in other media were not disclosed, Druckmann stated they are intended to “expand the canon” of the franchise. Both projects are reported to be in the “very early stages” of development, suggesting that players may have a significant wait before seeing gameplay footage or receiving release dates.
The developer also provided an update on its highly anticipated new intellectual property, the sci-fi title Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Fans hoping for a deep dive into the new franchise will have to wait until 2027 for a full reveal. The studio has indicated it will remain “quiet” for the remainder of 2026 to focus on production across its various departments.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet reveal set for 2027
First announced at The Game Awards in late 2024, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is a PlayStation 5 exclusive set on the planet Sempiria. The game features bounty hunter Jordan A. Mun, played by actress Tati Gabrielle, as the lead protagonist.
According to the official Naughty Dog blog, the studio is taking a measured approach to showing the game. Although cinematic shooting for the title is reportedly complete, the team has scheduled the primary unveiling for next year to ensure the project meets the high visual and technical standards associated with the studio’s previous work, such as Uncharted.
The timing of the announcement follows the 2026 “The Last of Us Day”, an annual community celebration held on 26 September. In the series’ lore, this date marks the “Outbreak Day” when the fictional Cordyceps infection first reached critical mass. While this year’s event focused largely on the existing community and merchandise, the confirmation of two future projects serves as a roadmap for the franchise’s continued growth beyond its first two critically acclaimed chapters.
Naughty Dog has not yet clarified if either of the new The Last of Us projects relates to a third mainline entry in the game series or further television adaptations. For now, the studio’s primary public-facing milestone remains the scheduled 2027 reveal of its first foray into science fiction.