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Joel and Ellie live on as The Last of Us survives another season.

The season 1 finale of the HBO Max show reached a record high in viewership — 8.2 million, to be exact — so we already feel the anticipation for season 2. It left fans on quite the cliffhanger, too, as Joel (Pedro Pascal) fought to take Ellie (Bella Ramsey) away from the Firefly hospital, and the two make their return back to Canmore. Only, this time, Joel is hiding a big secret from her.

The Last of Us fans may be at a loss on how to spend their Sunday nights. So, here's what we know about The Last of Us season 2:

Will there be season 2 of The Last of Us?

That's right, folks. Just two episodes into the show, Warner Brothers renewed The Last of Us for a second season. The video game adaptation exceeded expectations upon its debut, surpassing millions upon millions of viewers.

“I’m humbled, honored and frankly overwhelmed that so many people have tuned in and connected with our retelling of Joel and Ellie’s journey," said executive producer Neil Druckmann in a statement. "The collaboration with Craig Mazin, our incredible cast and crew and HBO exceeded my already high expectations."

He added: “Now we have the absolute pleasure of being able to do it again with season two! On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog & PlayStation, thank you!”

When is the season 2 release date of The Last of Us?

We've yet to hear an official premiere date, but Pedro teased to Collider that "there is a chance" that filming for the new season could start this year.

In the meantime, hit “save” at the top of this story and circle back later to this page once The Last of Us drops its official season 2 trailer and release date.

Is season 2 the end of The Last of Us?

While the original video game has just two parts, it doesn't necessarily mean only two seasons of the HBO series.

The co-creators spoke with GQ UK and when asked if season 2 could cover the entirety of The Last of Us: Part II, Craig responded with an emphatic "No. No way." Neil Druckmann added, “It’s more than one season.”

Craig and Neil kept tight-lipped about exactly how many seasons that means ahead. The former told the outlet: “You have noted correctly that we will not say how many. But more than one is factually correct.”

Who will be in The Last of Us season 2 cast?

We can expect The Last of Us season 2 cast members to include:

• Pedro Pascal as Joel

• Bella Ramsey as Ellie

• Gabriel Luna as Tommy

• Rutina Wesley as Maria

The biggest dilemma comes from the time jump from Part I to Part II, which puts Bella's Ellie at an older age. Calling Bella's casting "lighting in a bottle," showrunners say her return is not even a question despite some fans' uncertainty. Plus, Craig pointed out that she is now the age of Ellie in The Last of Us Part II.

"The only way we would ever, ever consider recasting Bella is if she said, 'I don't want to work with you guys anymore,'" said Neil, according to IGN. "Even then, I'm not sure we would grant her that. We might still force her to come back to season 2."

Bella pretty much confirmed it herself on Twitter. Amid the renewal news, she basked in the excitement and wrote: "I’m taking a ride with my best frienddddd (again) :) #TheLastOfUsHBO."

Bellie, for the win!

Any The Last of Us season 2 spoilers?

Prepare yourself, because if you thought season 1 was gloomy, The Last of Us Part II takes it to another level. Part II deals with the aftermath of Joel's actions at the end of Part 1. While the first game focused on love and hope, the sequel centers more around hatred and revenge ...

The events of The Last of Us Part II take place a few years after the first game, and it's likely that the second season of the HBO Max series will have a time jump as well. However, the game does include flashbacks from the intervening years, so it's up to the streamer to decide how they will adapt the story and in what order.

Even though HBO Max has not officially announced anything beyond a season 2 for The Last of Us series, Craig and Neil have hinted at more action and infected zombies to come. "It’s quite possible that there will be a lot more infected later," Craig said. "And perhaps different kinds.”

How do I watch or stream The Last of Us?

If you want to get in on the action, The Last of Us season 1 is available to stream exclusively on HBO Max. Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month. You can stream the series on your phone, tablet, computer and TV by signing into the HBO Max app.

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