Naughty Dog has confirmed that two more projects are brewing inside the Last of Us universe, and the studio is promising a full unveiling of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet next year. The news comes via a letter from studio head Neil Druckmann marking Last of Us Day 2026, a celebration tied to the franchise.
Druckmann’s message is brief but pointed. He confirmed that the projects are in “very early stages” and that he cannot say much about them yet. What he can say is that both will expand the canon beyond Last of Us and Last of Us Part 2. “We believe these stories are worth telling,” he said.
The announcement also comes with a new piece of concept art, showing protagonist Jordan with her trademark sword standing before a wooded area overtaken by red alien matter. It is a moody image, and it is the only concrete detail fans have beyond the studio’s words.
Early Stages Projects
Druckmann’s letter is deliberately vague about what the projects are. He does not say whether they are games, TV shows, films, or animations. He simply says they are in very early stages and that he cannot say much about them yet.
The phrasing matters. “Very early stages” suggests these are ideas still being shaped, not finished products ready for announcement. That means fans could be waiting a while before seeing anything playable or screen-ready.
The fact that Druckmann did not specify the format is notable. It opens the door to almost anything:
- A live-action series
- An animated spinoff
- A third game
Setting Expectations
The studio is also setting expectations for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Druckmann told fans that the team will be quiet for the rest of this year. “We need to cook for just a little bit longer,” he said.
The phrase is playful, but the meaning is serious. The studio wants to avoid leaks and half-finished reveals. By holding back until 2027, Naughty Dog is ensuring that whatever it shows is complete and polished.
Druckmann’s note acknowledges the wait. “We know it’s been a long time since we’ve had much to share with you,” he said. “We don’t take your continued support for granted. We’re working incredibly hard to make something worthy of your patience.”
Intergalactic’s Long Wait
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was first shown back in 2024. Since then, the studio has shared almost nothing about it. The new art is the latest visual detail released.
The image shows Jordan standing before a forest covered in red alien growth. The alien matter is the most striking element.
The studio described the project as showing “a different side of Naughty Dog.” Fans have spent years wondering what the project is, and now they know they will have to wait until next year to find out.
Canon Expansion Promise
Druckmann’s promise to expand the canon is a big deal for Last of Us fans. A new project expanding beyond the games could add new stories to the timeline.
The canon expansion also carries weight for the franchise’s legacy. It suggests Naughty Dog sees the world as a living space with room for more stories, not just a closed box.
The Quiet Until 2027
The studio’s decision to wait until 2027 to unveil Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is a bold one. It means fans will have to sit tight for nearly a year before getting a proper look at the game. That is a long time in gaming terms.
The wait is justified, according to Druckmann. He said the team is working “incredibly hard” to deliver something worthy of fan patience. The studio is asking for trust, and it is offering a full reveal as the payoff.
What Comes Next
The immediate takeaway is simple: fans should expect more Last of Us content, but they should not expect it soon. The two unannounced projects are still in very early stages, and the studio is not saying what they are.
For Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the wait is set. The art gives fans something to look at, but the questions remain open. What is the game about? Who is Jordan? What is the red alien matter? These are questions the studio has not answered, and it has made clear it will not answer them until next year.
The art is a tease, and it works. It shows a world that looks different from anything seen in the main games. It hints at a story that could take the franchise somewhere new.
The Bottom Line
Naughty Dog’s announcement is a reminder that the Last of Us universe is far from done. The studio has two new projects in the works, and it is betting that fans will stick around for the long haul.
The wait for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is a test of that bet. Fans have waited since 2024 for more information, and now they are being asked to wait another year. The studio is confident it can deliver, and it has promised a full reveal in 2027.
The art is a small comfort. It shows Jordan, it shows the alien matter, and it shows a world that feels alive. That is enough for now. The full reveal is coming in 2027, and until then, fans will have to keep cooking along with the studio.
See the video the story is built around at Eurogamer.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.