The Big Question: Who Will Be the Face of The Last of Us Part 3?
With continual speculation and subtle hints emerging from the developer camp, anticipation for the next chapter in The Last of Us franchise continues to build. The second game left players with more questions than answers, spiraling discussions across forums about the fate of core characters like Ellie and Abby, as well as how Naughty Dog could expand its emotionally-charged universe.
Leadership Shift: Would The Saga Continue With Someone New?
Across both earlier chapters, protagonists have shifted perspectives, giving players fresh viewpoints into the brutal world they navigate. Joel introduced us to the post-pandemic landscape before the narrative baton was handed to Ellie—and, in a daring move, Abby. This nuanced approach to narrative has left the door wide open: will the next central character be a familiar face, or will Naughty Dog introduce someone completely new?
Among the most discussed candidates in fan spaces is Tommy Miller, Joel’s conflicted brother. Across the games and the acclaimed television adaptation, Tommy’s emotional complexity has stood out. His tragic injury at Abby’s hands, the unraveling of his relationships, and his state of isolation offer fertile ground for character-driven storytelling—potentially making him the perfect lens for a third game’s harsh realities.
Breaking Down Fan Sentiment: The Case for and Against Tommy Miller
Debate is fierce within community threads. While the idea of controlling Tommy promises fresh narrative terrain (sniper missions or playable flashbacks already pique fan interest), some doubt whether his journey could sustain an entire mainline release. The emotional gravitas of his story is undeniable, but there’s a lingering sentiment that the crux of The Last of Us is bound to Ellie.
Many argue Ellie’s unresolved arc is a thread that fans are simply not ready to let go. Her evolution—from a teenager hell-bent on survival to a woman fractured by trauma—remains a centerpiece. Numerous voices express that without her in a pivotal role, the next game risks losing the emotional continuity that’s defined the series since its inception.
Why Most Fans Still Want Ellie as the Main Protagonist
Ellie’s journey is, for many, synonymous with The Last of Us itself. Even when playing as Joel or Abby, the focus has always circled back to her, either overtly or as the emotional anchor. Without resolution to her fate after the ambiguous ending of Part 2, speculation is less about who could lead the story, and more about why Ellie must return—even if only for closure.
This attachment is reinforced by the franchise’s broader impact on pop culture, from award-winning performances in the games to the massive adaptation on streaming platforms. As other post-apocalyptic series rise, the drive for narrative satisfaction in The Last of Us remains on an entirely different level, blending technical prowess with deep character introspection.
No Official Confirmation, But the Conversation Keeps Moving
The studio has yet to officially announce a third installment as it’s occupied with development on new IPs, but the persistent fan theories fill the vacuum left in the absence of concrete updates. Whether the story arcs back to Ellie, shifts to Tommy, or starts afresh with a new protagonist, expectations are sky-high for what’s next in this universe where every character decision feels monumental.
