HBO’s confirmation of series three comes just days before Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey return as Ellie and Joel for the second instalment.

The faithful adaptation of Naughty Dog’s game series The Last of Us follows the unlikely bond between 14-year-old Ellie and 40-year-old Joel in a post-apocalyptic world following a global pandemic. Believing her to be immune to the Cordyceps spores turning humans into evil half-mushrooms, they journey across a fungus-ridden America in the hopes of finding a cure.

Series two will pick up five years after the events of series one as Ellie and Joel enjoy a well-earned break from the infected in the Jackson community, led by Joel’s brother Tommy. Their peace is shattered by the arrival of a new faction, the Washington Liberation Front, led in part by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever, Apple Cider Vinegar). Though Abby is new to the series, unbeknownst to Joel and Ellie she has a history with them - and a reason for revenge.

Joining Dever as new cast in series two are Young Mazino (Beef) as Jesse, Tati Gabrielle (Uncharted) as Nora, Spencer Lord (Riverdale) as Owen, Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction) as Isaac, Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City of Gold) as Dina, Ariela Barer (Runaways) as Mel and Danny Ramirez (Top Gun: Maverick) as Manny. Schitt’s Creek Catherine O’Hara also guest stars in an undisclosed role.

As series one tightly followed the events of the corresponding video game, it is as yet unknown whether series two will follow the same suit, or whether the events of the second game will be split across two series. Game developers Naughty Dog have not announced plans for a third game to tie in with a third series, so it’s up to the next instalment to reveal what lies in store.

Craig Mazin, creator, executive producer, writer, and director, says: “We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew. We look forward to continuing the story of The Last of Us with season three!”

Neil Druckmann, creator, executive producer, writer, and director, adds: “To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans' enthusiastic and overwhelming support.

“Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions. On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast, and crew, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We're thrilled to bring you more of The Last of Us!”

The Last of Us series two airs on Sunday 13 April.