Craig Mazin Plans Baldur's Gate 3 Series After Completing The Last of Us Season 3

HBO showrunner Craig Mazin will finish The Last of Us Season 3 before transitioning to develop a new fantasy series based on the award-winning video game Baldur's Gate 3. HBO Max leadership has confirmed Mazin's production schedule, with the creator prioritizing the post-apocalyptic drama's conclusion before advancing work on the fantasy adaptation.

The Last of Us Season 3 Nears Completion

The Last of Us, adapted from Naughty Dog's acclaimed game franchise and created for television by Mazin and Neil Druckmann, has been undergoing its third and final season. Production recently paused on schedule, with all indications pointing toward completion before a 2027 release. Druckmann departed the series to focus on Naughty Dog's upcoming project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, leaving Mazin as sole showrunner for the season's conclusion.

Baldur's Gate 3 Fantasy Series in Development

Mazin's next major project will be a television adaptation of Baldur's Gate 3, which won Game of the Year honors in 2023 against competitors including Spider-Man 2. HBO has greenlit the project as part of its broader strategy to develop prestige content from major gaming franchises. Casey Bloys, HBO Max's leadership, recently clarified Mazin's workflow, noting that "he's going to focus on The Last of Us, and then come back to [Baldur's Gate] when he's got more time."

Details about the Baldur's Gate 3 adaptation—including cast, plot focus, and production timeline—have not yet been disclosed. HBO is expected to release additional information later this year or early in 2027. Mazin's previous work includes the critically acclaimed HBO limited series Chernobyl, establishing his track record with high-stakes dramatic storytelling.

Merchandise Signals Continued Franchise Activity

While no The Last of Us Part 3 game has been announced, the franchise continues receiving support through merchandise. Dark Horse and Naughty Dog revealed a limited collectible—The Last of Us: Clicker Bust—priced at $149.99, standing 8.5 inches tall and limited to 1,000 hand-numbered units. The statue is scheduled for release between November 2026 and January 2027. Previous collectibles in the line, including Ellie and Joel busts, sold out quickly, though industry observers note ongoing merchandise releases do not necessarily indicate imminent game announcements.