Neil Druckmann, head of Naughty Dog, has revealed he will reduce his creative role in HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us to concentrate on the studio’s next major release, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. The decision was shared via the studio’s official social media account.

“This wasn’t an easy choice,” Druckmann stated, “but with Season 2 wrapped and pre-production for Season 3 yet to begin, shifting my priorities fully to Naughty Dog feels crucial. My focus now is on leading our team, shaping our upcoming projects, and directing our ambitious new title.”

He expressed gratitude for his collaboration with co-showrunner Craig Mazin and praised the cast and crew’s dedication to translating the games to television. Druckmann served as writer, director, and executive producer across the show’s first two seasons, blending his studio leadership with Hollywood commitments. Moving forward, Naughty Dog’s direct involvement in HBO’s adaptation will diminish, though Druckmann hinted he may still contribute occasionally in later seasons.

The announcement sparks questions about the challenges of managing dual roles. While Druckmann emphasized his studio obligations, specifics about workload pressures remain unaddressed. Fans speculate whether production demands influenced the timing, particularly as Naughty Dog ramps up development on Intergalactic—a project poised to expand the studio’s creative scope beyond established franchises.

While HBO’s series will continue adapting The Last of Us Part II without Druckmann’s day-to-day input, the show’s future narrative direction remains closely aligned with the source material. The departure marks a pivotal moment for both Naughty Dog’s internal projects and the TV adaptation, underscoring the complexities of balancing multimedia ventures in the gaming industry.