'The Last of Us' Season 2: New trailer teases major story changes and intense faction battles in Seattle

'The Last of Us season 2' trailer teases major game changes and a deeper look at Seattle’s faction war.

HBO’s The Last of Us season 2 trailer has unveiled major deviations from The Last of Us Part II, including the introduction of Tommy’s son, Benjamin, and dramatic new scenes that could shift the series’ narrative.

Premiered during The Last of Us SXSW panel, the trailer showcases Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) settling into life in Jackson, while tensions escalate between the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the Seraphites in Seattle. Fans also got their first glimpse of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, a key figure in the upcoming story.

Iconic game moments are brought to life, such as Joel and Ellie’s museum flashback, Abby’s snowy journey, and Ellie and Dina escaping a horde of Infected in an abandoned train station. But HBO is adding new elements, including Tommy (Gabriel Luna) fighting a Bloater with a flamethrower, WLF leader Isaac (Jeffrey Wright) interrogating a prisoner, and Joel discovering Ellie’s tattoo covering her bite marks.

One of the biggest surprises is Tommy now having a son, Benjamin. “Uncle Tommy is Papa Tommy and Papa Joel is Uncle Joel,” Luna revealed. “It fills him with purpose and the strength he needs to help his wife, his brother, and everyone.” This change could drastically alter Tommy’s role compared to the game.

Co-showrunner Neil Druckmann assured fans that the show won’t hold back on Part II’s controversial story. “We do what’s best for the story and whatever happens, happens,” he said, referencing the backlash after the game’s 2020 release.

Despite initial criticism, The Last of Us Part II became one of the most critically awarded games ever. HBO has already confirmed that the adaptation will extend beyond season 2, with season 3 entering production later this year.

The Last of Us season 2 premieres on HBO on April 13, 2025.