The Last of Us Season 2 will feature content from The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered's Lost Levels when it hits HBO.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Naughty Dog co-president and show co-creator Neil Druckmann revealed "one element" from the Lost Levels — which were cut from the original The Last of Us Part 2 but are being included as bonus content for the PlayStation 5 upgrade — will (probably) make it into the HBO adaptation's second season.
"As a tease, I will say there is at least one element from a cut level that is planned [for] the show," Druckmann said. "I say that with the caveat that we haven’t started filming the show yet and all things are subject to change based on what we ultimately feel will be best for the show."
The Lost Levels won't feature radically different or new content, but will seemingly be more akin to extensions of other levels The Last of Us Part 2 players will be familiar with. The levels, which won't be added to Remastered as a canonical expansion of the story but instead as early development versions of bonus missions accessible from the main menu, are called Jackson Dance, Boar Hunt, and Sewers.
Jackson Dance will seemingly see Ellie walking around Jackson ahead of her dance with Dina, Boar Hunt will likely see Ellie hunting a boar in a playable version of an in-game diary entry fans will remember, while Sewers is perhaps an extension of a spooky underground level experienced by Ellie as she makes her way towards the hospital.
"The Lost Levels are very much focused on offering a sneak peek into The Last of Us Part 2’s original development and deepen fans’ appreciation for the studio’s creative work," Druckmann said.
"While the TV show has diverged from the original works to suit the medium and likely will again, these levels are not meant to be indicative of work on the HBO show, which is separate from Part 2 Remastered’s development."
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered also includes a roguelike mode called No Return, guitar free play, graphical enhancements, DualSense integration, and more, and launches January 19. Players who own the original game on PlayStation 4 can upgrade to the PS5 version for $10, and save files can be imported.
As for the HBO show, which premiered in January 2023 to critical and commercial success, its second season lacks a release date but star Bella Ramsey said it will likely arrive in early 2025.
In our 9/10 review of Season 1, IGN said: "HBO's The Last of Us is a stunning adaptation that should thrill newcomers and enrich those already familiar with Joel and Ellie's journey alike."
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.
